St Andrews University principal urges students to observe voluntary lockdown immediately

The principal of St Andrews University has urged her students to observe a voluntary lockdown to help stem the surge in coronavirus cases across the country.

Prof Sally Mapstone said that from 7pm on Friday evening students must "remain in your rooms as much as possible, not to party, not to go to bars or restaurants, and to avoid mixing with any groups outside your own households."

In an "urgent and important" message posted on the university's website, she said it was "very clear" the virus was "surging again" in parts of the country and "it is very likely that we are very close to a form of further national lockdown."

She acknowledged that some would consider her request "premature", with Nicola Sturgeon stating she will consider over the weekend what new restrictions are required in Scotland.

But she argued that "a hallmark of this pandemic has been that, as a society, we have acted too slowly in the past, and thousands of people have died unnecessarily as a result."

She added: "Early action saves lives, and we have an opportunity as one community to take action to protect ourselves, and those with whom we share this town."

Prof Mapstone admitted there was "no evidence that the virus is surging in our community" but argued the situation nationally meant that urgent action was required.

In addition to the student lockdown, she announced the postponement of all events planned for this weekend, including all sports matches and society activity.

St Andrews is one of Scotland's most eminent universities and its alumni include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who met there while undergraduates. It has more than 9,000 students.

Last Friday police were called to disperse a gathering of about 50 young people on a beach in the town and the previous day NHS Fife said two people with links to the university had tested positive for Covid-19.

The principal's request came shortly after Ms Sturgeon told her daily briefing: "Universities have to be very clear with students and students themselves have to be clear about the risks and how to minimise those risks."

Young people attending house parties have been blamed for helping fuel the surge in cases nationally and 11 students at Edinburgh Napier University have tested positive following an outbreak at their accommodation.

Urging students to give her message "attention and priority", Prof Mapstone highlighted the First Minister's message about "the urgent need to interrupt the chain of transmission of the virus."

The principal and vice-chancellor said: "We acted swiftly in March when the pandemic first hit Fife, and the situation we face now is just as serious."

She said she expected "further information and intervention from Government over or just after the weekend" and thanked students for their patience and understanding.

She concluded: "The sooner we break the transmission of the virus nationally and locally, the sooner we can all return to a traditional university experience."

It was also announced at the daily briefing that an Edinburgh Rugby academy player had tested positive for Covid-19 after attending a house party in breach of lockdown rules.

Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland's national clinical director, said the unnamed player's breach of government guidance and Scottish Rugby protocols was "clearly unacceptable".

He said another three Edinburgh players who went to the party were self-isolating after the "hugely disappointing incident".

But he said the European Challenge Cup quarter-final fixture between Edinburgh's first team and Bordeaux in France on Saturday can be played.