Government should tell students to stay on campus over Christmas break, experts warn
Top scientists from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said universities are more likely to be affected by larger outbreaks of Covid-19 towards the end of the academic term, reports inews
These outbreaks, which would coincide with fears of Christmas and New Year experts, « could pose a risk to local communities and families, and will require national oversight, monitoring and decision-making »
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Unit and former government special adviser to the universities minister, said the government would be forced to tell students to stay on campus instead of coming home at Christmas
M Hillman said: “Ministers will have to tell students it’s better to stay away from home this year. It’s no different than any other situation If you follow the science, what else can the government say? «
« The problem will be that if they return home, they will bring the virus back to their parents and families. This is just another on the long list of sacrifices people will have to make to fight this disease »
The University of Liverpool confirmed there were 87 positive cases of coronavirus among staff and students last week
The disturbing figures come before the start of the term, and a large number of students still have not returned
This has raised fears that a larger increase in the number of cases will occur, as more students will return to the city in the days and weeks to come.
Liverpool Hope University and John Moores University in Liverpool have moved most of their education online due to coronavirus concerns
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Liverpool Hope University, which had planned to offer a mix of virtual and face-to-face learning for all students, has moved all teaching online for integration week following concerns from residents regarding an influx of students
The move came as local branches of the University and College Union (UCU) demanded a guarantee that vulnerable staff would not be forced into the city’s college campuses
UCU regional manager Martyn Moss called on universities in Liverpool to ‘end unnecessary in-person teaching’ to ensure the safety of staff, students and the local community
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: ‘We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and follow the advice of Public Health England, adjusting policies to better support students and providers as they arise. that the situation evolves »
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News from around the world – UK – Students could be told to stay on campus during Christmas
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
