15 Swansea Uni students have been suspended after ‘serious’ COVID-19 lockdown breaches

15 Swansea University students have been suspended following “serious breaches” of both university and Welsh Government guidelines. This comes after reports that several large groups of Swansea students in fancy dress were spotted appearing to break current fire-break lockdown regulations.

The regulations, which have been enforced from October 23 and last until November 9, restrict gatherings with anyone you do not live with. Swansea University may enforce further suspensions as the investigations continue.

The university has released a statement detailing how they were “forced to take this step after its security teams intervened a number of times at the Singleton campus over the course of the weekend”.

Andrew Rhodes, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Swansea University, investigated the breaches and spoke personally to all the students involved, reminding them of the consequences for breaking the COVID-19 regulations.

Mr Rhodes said: “While the vast majority of Swansea students are following Government guidelines and social distancing measures, there are, regrettably, those in the minority who still need to be reminded that we are in the midst of a national fire-break lockdown, and a public health emergency.”

He went on to say that it is “very disappointing” that “some students have behaved in this anti-social manner”. He also apologised to the community for any difficulty caused.

He ended the statement by stating: “I hope that this disciplinary action will send a strong message to our student community of the need to adhere to Covid regulations at all times, and the consequences of not doing so”.

The university’s revised penalties for breaching Covid-19 rules include: offering an apology, formal written warnings, a behavioural contract, removal from accommodation, and suspension or exclusion from the university.

Campus security and local police are currently patrolling student accommodation and the local area in order to report any further anti-social behaviour. The police are also able to issue penalties and fines.

Swansea Council’s leader Rob Stewart said: “We want everyone to act responsibly and do the right thing in the coming days, weeks and months

“We can all make the right choices to reduce the spread of Covid and to help protect our family, friends and communities.”

However, the council leader clearly stated that rule breaking will not be permitted as “the council will also work with the police to take action against those who deliberately flout the restrictions and put others at risk.”

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