University probes claim illegal party led to outbreak of cases

Abertay University chiefs have launched a probe into claims fresher students contracted Covid-19 at an illegal flat party.

Around 500 students in Dundee’s Parker House are self-isolating after health chiefs confirmed four positive Covid-19 cases at the student accommodation in the city.

Tests and contact tracing are continuing in the shared accommodation, public health chiefs have confirmed. Testing kits have been delivered to all residents.

First year student Duncan Rendall claimed, in an interview with Radio Tay, that up to 40 students attended a party in a flat designed for six residents in the shared accommodation.

He said a group of students in the accommodation had “ignored all the rules” in holding the freshers’ week party prior to the positive tests earlier this week.

Parker House provides private

“The university is working with Parker House to establish if any disciplinary action is required. SPOKESMAN

student accommodation to predominantly first year students at Abertay and Dundee Universities.

The first positive test was of an Abertay University student.

A spokesman for Abertay University said: “We were disappointed at reports of students socialising at Parker House private accommodation over the weekend, going against the advice repeatedly issued by the university, Parker House and the Scottish Government.

“The university is working with Parker House to establish if any disciplinary action is required and has once again reminded all students of their personal and joint responsibilities in relation to Covid safety.”

The Incident Management Team (IMT) confirmed four students in the property tested positive for the virus with fears the outbreak will continue to spread further.

The university is providing food, support and financial assistance where required.