Party sparks outbreak at St Andrews

MORE than 40 students at a leading Scottish university are self-isolating after an illegal freshers’ week party.

Four have tested positive for Covid-19 following the gathering at University of St Andrews student halls.

University bosses confirmed the incident involving first-year students in a statement yesterday.

The new cases bring the total at the Fife university to seven, after three were announced last week.

In a message to students, University of St Andrews principal Professor Sally Mapstone said: ‘I am sorry to say that last night, four new positive cases were confirmed amongst our students.

‘This is in addition to the three sporadic cases which I had notified to you all previously.

‘All have comparatively mild illness and are being appropriately supported.’

The party took place at one of nine undergraduate halls of residence around the city but a spokesman yesterday refused to confirm which one or the date of the incident.

Professor Mapstone added: ‘These new cases of Covid were acquired in St Andrews and are all linked to one party in a hall of residence in freshers’ week.

‘Over 40 students are now in enforced isolation as a result.

‘Quite apart from the fact that the party broke the law, and our own very clear guidelines on socialising and safe behaviour, the ripples from this single incident have consequences for all of us.

‘Please do not arrange or attend parties unless they are only attended by your immediate household group.’

Despite the new cases, the university will restart some activities cancelled over the weekend, including ‘most sport, training activities and the gym’.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie, whose North East Fife constituency includes St Andrews, said: ‘This should act as a chilling reminder of the need to follow the advice of the scientists and the health professionals.

‘If we give this deadly disease the opportunity to spread, it will do so like wildfire.’

Police were unable to establish whether officers attended the incident but confirmed they were made aware of a ‘number’ of parties involving university students in the town last week.

The incident came less than a week after students at the University of Edinburgh were warned they face expulsion from accommodation and suspension from class if they break Covid rules following a similar party in student halls.

Police were called to Pollock Halls in the city on September 15 after students refused to disperse from a party.

‘Deadly disease will spread like wildfire’