By Tony O’Riley-
University students in Scotland face an acid test, after being told not to go to pubs, parties or restaurants this weekend, in string efforts not to stem a spate of coronavirus outbreaks.
It comes following hundreds of university students who have tested positive at campuses across the country- many are self-isolating.
The rules will be very challenging for Scottish pupils to obey, giving their love for parting and good times.
Universities plan to be instructive in their command to students, making it “absolutely clear” that there must be no parties. They also will not be allowed to socialise with anyone outside of their accommodation.
Students have also been warned that any breaches of the new rules “will not be tolerated”. The very strict rules will come as a blow to students, who love party life, and usually celebrate their first week at University with wild parties.
The announcement comes after opposition leaders accused First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of a “basic failure” to anticipate the problem and provide more testing on university campuses.
The rules have been criticised by the National Union of Students Scotland as “unjustified”, and “deeply concerning”.
President Matt Crilly said it was especially concerning for students who relied on income from hospitality jobs, and showed “complete disregard” for their mental health and wellbeing.
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has raised concerns about the “human rights implications” of the restrictions.
Universities Scotland said the new guidance that had been agreed with the Scottish government was a “necessary step at this crucial moment of managing the virus in the student population, to protect students and the wider community”.
The new rules state that all universities will “make absolutely clear to students that there must be no parties, and no socialising outside their households”.
They go on to say: “This weekend, the first of the new tighter Scottish government guidance, we will require students to avoid all socialising outside of their households and outside of their accommodation.
“We will ask them not to go to bars or other hospitality venues. “Extra staff will be brought into student accommodation to watch for any breaches of the guidance and to support students who are self-isolating.
Image:heraldscotland.com