Exeter asks students not to socialise with anyone outside their household for 14 days

Exeter University has asked its students not to socialise with anyone outside their own household for the next 14 days.

This comes after a rise in Covid-19 cases in Devon – half of which are linked to the university. 

In an email to students released today, Mike Shore-Nye, Registrar at the university, stated: “For the next 14 days, beginning today, Monday 28 September, we are asking students who live in Exeter not to meet indoors with anyone who is not part of your household.

“We have agreed with Public Health England, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council that now is the time to ask students living in Exeter to take significant additional measures to stop the spread of infection.”

The email stated that the only exceptions to this should be: Attending educational sessions on campus, working or volunteering, taking part in an organised sporting session, if you are required to support a vulnerable member of the community, or in the case of an emergency.

Part of the email sent to students this afternoon

The email claimed that the rise of infections is not through educational settings, but students meeting up in multiple households.

Mr Shore-Nye continued: “This does not mean that you cannot go out or visit the shops, but you should not socialise in other people’s residences, and outside your current household you must observe the Rule of Six and all other social distancing measures at all times.

“You must do everything possible to avoid putting yourself into contact with someone who may have COVID-19. This will protect you and your household. ”

The email ended with Mr Shore-Nye showing sympathy for students at this time, opening the floor to any suggestions on how the university could “make this experience more bearable”.

“I have asked the Student Support team to develop a set of digital entertainment and social opportunities for those of you living in University accommodation and we will work hard to deliver whatever is feasible to support you through this period”, he said.

Students who are caught breaking self-isolation rules are committing a criminal offence, which the email states is “punishable by large fines and this will also result in significant sanctions from the University that can include suspension and expulsion.

“We hope for the sake of our community that you will comply with this request. Those who do not, or who ignore any instructions regarding COVID safety, risk disciplinary action.”