University students in Leeds warned not to have parties or attend events that break social distancing rules

New and current students are expected back at the city's five high education institutions next week as the new term begins.

However, the 'freshers' term will look very different for this year's cohort due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In Leeds, the number of positive Covid-19 cases is rising, with Leeds Council leaders warning that the city could head into a 'local lockdown' next week.

Council leaders, along with the vice-chancellors of the city's universities and the presidents of the university student unions, are asking students to play their part in controlling the spread of the virus.

They urged students not to attend gatherings that break any laws and warned that they will take reports of people organising illegal house parties very seriously.

In a joint letter, the leaders said: "During September, we warmly welcome students back to Leeds and together look forward to the start of the new academic year.

"This year, we understand there may be concerns about the impact on the safety of our communities.

"Together we are working to ensure the wider community is supported when it comes to staying safe.

"A huge amount of work has been undertaken to make campuses welcoming and covid-secure, and to ensure our students and staff understand what we must all do to keep each other and our neighbours safe.

"More than ever, it is crucial that we all protect and share responsibility for the communities we all work and live in – and that we respect, support and show consideration for one another.

"This includes not organising or attending gatherings which break laws and Government social distancing guidelines, and showing kindness and support for everyone who is vulnerable or needing to self-isolate.

"We all take reports about anyone organising or attending illegal house parties very seriously and make students aware of the potential sanctions they could receive, which include police fines and disciplinary action."

The universities have put safety measures in place on campus.

Regular hand-washing will be encouraged and hand sanitising stations have been installed.

Face covers will be required and students will be told to keep a safe distance away from each other on and off campus.

Lectures will be given in large halls with limited room capacity.

Other lessons will be taught online.

Staff will be asked to work from home wherever possible.

Some students arriving from outside the UK will need to self-isolate when they arrive.

They will be able to get support with food and essential supplies from their respective institution to help them during this period.

The University of Leeds also hosts a COVID-19 testing centre to support the NHS Test and Trace service.

This is currently open to everyone experiencing symptoms and needing to book a test, whether they are staff, students or members of the public.

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I’d like to extend a warm Leeds welcome to all the students returning to study and those joining us for the first time.

“Leeds rightly prides itself on being a welcoming city, and a place where we all work together.

“Coronavirus and Covid-19 is an extremely serious disease and a threat to everyone in our city.

"We ask that young people, including our students, do everything they can to stay safe, protect others and control the spread of the virus.

“This includes not organising or attending gatherings which break laws and social distancing guidelines, and providing your contact details when you visit venues.

“Let’s all work together and play our part in reducing the spread of coronavirus in Leeds.”

The letter was signed by Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds. Professor Margaret A House OBE, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, Professor Peter Slee, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, Professor Joe Wilson, Principal of Leeds Conservatoire and Professor Simone Wonnacott, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Art University.

It was also signed by the presidents of the student union officers.

Anyone with concerns about behaviour in their neighbourhood can contact the Neighbourhood Helpline (via web, email or 0113 3431064), which is operated by the city’s universities, in partnership with the city council and police.