'Local lockdown will not change life on campus': University of Leeds responds to new restrictions

Stricter measures were introduced in Leeds from midnight on Friday in response to the rapid increase in coronavirus cases.

It is now illegal for households to mix in private homes and gardens and those who don't comply with the new rules could be fined £100 or £200 for a first offence.

Face-to-face teaching and learning activities will continue as normal at the University of Leeds, but students will be made aware of the penalties they could face for breaching lockdown restrictions.

A spokesman for the university said: “We are reassuring students and staff that the announcement will not change life on campus.

“Students can and should continue to attend campus for face-to-face teaching and learning activities and to use the library and study spaces.

“They can still socialise with people they live with either in private accommodation or a hall of residence and participate in the social activities provided on campus, so long as they remain in their household.

“We make students aware of the potential penalties they could receive for breaching social gathering laws, which include fines and disciplinary action.

“Further guidance and support for staff and students about staying safe is available on our website."

It comes as there has been a significant outbreak of new coronavirus cases in a student suburb of Leeds.

Government data shows that nearly 50 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the Hyde Park Corner and Woodhouse Cliff area of Leeds in just seven days.

The data breaks down the city of Leeds by Middle Super Output Area (MSOA) - a geographic measure of approximately 7,200 people.

Five north west Leeds areas, home to many of the city's students, recorded the most new cases in the city in the seven days to September 20.

There were 47 new lab-confirmed cases in the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Cliff MSOA during this period.

Woodhouse and Little London recorded 30 cases, while the University and Little Woodhouse area recorded 23.

There were 22 new cases in Headingley and 21 new cases in Hyde Park.

A walk-through testing site has been set up in the Gryphon Sports Centre, on the University of Leeds campus, in an effort to make it easier for people living in the area to get tested.

Leeds City Council said it is closely monitoring continued outbreaks of the virus across the city and is specifically targeting engagement with young people and young adults.

A council spokesman said: "We are closely monitoring continued outbreaks across the city, taking targeted preventative steps.

"We are also seeing an increase of cases in younger people across the city, reflecting the national picture in the 18-34 age group.

“To address this, we are doing a lot of work with the licensing sector and also with the voluntary sector and communities, specifically targeting engagement with young people and young adults.

“We would encourage everyone to play their part in helping us to prevent further cases and stay on top of community transmission by following national guidance:

· Keep a safe distance from others.

· Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.

· Wear a face covering on public transport and in indoor areas such as shops, places of worship, hairdressers, libraries and healthcare settings.

· Do not leave home if you, or anyone in your household, has symptoms.

· If you have symptoms book a free test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

"If you need to stay at home and have no family or friends for support, ring 0113 378 1877."