Four cases confirmed from freshers’ party

Four students at the University of St Andrews have contracted coronavirus after a freshers’ week party in a hall of residence.

More than 40 people are now self-isolating following the party, which broke national coronavirus restrictions limiting gatherings to no more than six people from two households.

On Friday, St Andrews asked its students to enter a voluntary weekend lock down by staying in their rooms and not partying or going to bars.

The new cases bring the total at the 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.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “This should act as a chilling reminder of the need to follow the advice of the scientists.”