Covid in Scotland: ‘Struggling’ students said they could return home

Students who have been struggling in university accommodation after the covid eruption have been told they can return home.

But Education Minister Richard Lochhead said he did not expect a “mass exodus” once the updated guidelines were published by the Scottish government.

The guidance also says that students can visit a parent if there is a “reasonable excuse” such as a family crisis.

But a short stay without one is still considered a “crime”.

The guidelines were issued after a flood of complaints from students who feel they are trapped in university or college lodge accommodation.

Speaking on the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland program, Mr Lochhead said: “I know many students are struggling at the moment but I also know that many students accept that they want to go to university.

“It’s challenging at the moment, especially if they’re self-separating, but they’re at least enjoying the opportunity to make new connections despite meeting their teachers, even though a lot of their learning is offline.

“So I don’t expect a mass exit from the Scottish campus but there is an opportunity for those who are struggling.”

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Students who decide to return to another home permanently are asked to follow the rules of self-isolation and not to use public transport.

The new guidelines have been welcomed by Students Union NUS Scotland.

Its president, Matt Kirley, said: “Today’s guidance gives a welcome explanation to the students in the hall, who will consider their next steps.

“We welcome that students will be able to return home permanently. However, we are disappointed that the government continues to provide individualized education, which can keep students on campus and increase unnecessary risks.

“We call on the Scottish Government to strengthen study guidance so that distance learning is a default, and a reality for as many students as possible.”

Holes of Horror

But Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said the picture was still one of confusion and criticized the fact that the guide was published late Sunday night.

He told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland: “On the one hand the students are being told they can go home, then they are being told they can go home if there are certain circumstances and I wonder what those circumstances are. There are still questions about that. “

Mr. Ross also said that the U.S. Ministers should expect difficulties when there is a sharp rise in cases when colleges and universities have returned for the new academic year.

He added: “This guidance should be completely clear before these young people leave home and go to university and in many cases are locked in horror halls.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rainey said the guidance gave students some clarity, but urged ministers to move forward.

Speaking at the event, he said: “We need to have asymptomatic routine testing to make sure people are negative so they can stay home and continue studying.”

Mr Renee also called on students for rent exemptions and mental health assistance after the nationwide outbreak, which he claimed.

He added: “This was the biggest movement of the people since the lockdown started so it was inevitable that we would do this.”

Student Health

The organization, which represents Scottish universities, said student welfare should be a priority.

Convener Prof. of Universities Scotland. Gary McCormack said: “With the support of their universities, students need to choose what is right for their own physical and mental health.

“Unfortunately the current situation with this epidemic means that these choices do not need to be balanced in the broader public health context.

“We believe that this semester benefits from a combination of teaching and the wide range of services and support available, both digitally and individually, while staying at the university.”

Professor McCormack added: “The beginning of the new academic year has been very difficult for the entire student community, both returning to university and, in particular, first-time participants.”