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UCC student leaders have defended rookie week’s virtual activities and rejected claims that they show “shocking irresponsibility” in the face of a pandemic.
UCC student union president Naoise Crowley said some reports of the planned had created a level of hysteria “which was not justified,” and said moving entertainment events online was in line with the response. public health.
He also said there is no evidence to suggest that such events, which include online DJ sessions, lead to large student gatherings.
“I acknowledge that local residents had a rough summer, but everything we are organizing online is consistent with public health guidelines regarding entertainment. I don’t see why this is a problem, ”he said.
He made his remarks as Cork’s GP, Dr. Ronan Boland, said he would be very surprised if the city did not move to Level 3 of the Government restriction framework soon, and warned that on Sunday, only three intensive care beds they were available between the two of the city. major hospitals for a population of half a million.
“The capacity is not there to face any increase in normal disease, much less Covid-19,” he told RTÉ .
He said he and his colleagues are concerned about “an increase in small [coronavirus] fires ”in the city and surrounding towns during the last 10 days.
Each has the ability to “spread like wildfire” and become a bigger problem, he said.
He also expressed concern about the behavior of people who congregate in groups, indoors and outdoors, being “uninhibited” with alcohol.
News that rookie week virtual events are taking place was greeted with dismay by residents who campaigned against Covid-19 house parties at rented properties around UCC during the shutdown.
Spokeswoman Catherine Clancy said it “shows a real disconnect” between the student union on how the event is affecting residents and how it could facilitate the spread of Covid-19.
“The fact is that if the virus numbers in Cork continue to rise and the city moves to Level 3, it will be students and young people who will suffer the brunt of the increased restrictions, all for the sake of a party of four. days”. ” she said.
However, Crowley said the union has been active in promoting the Irish Students’ Union public health campaign, Keep it Small, Keep it Safe, Keep Your Distance.
Earlier, UCC student union welfare officer Jamie Fraser sued university authorities for canceling the Student Community Support (SCS) that is used to fund student patrols.
Calling the measure “an absolute disgrace”, he said: “Using this as a political measure in an attempt to coerce the UB [union] canceling a virtual week is unsettling. “
UCC said the decision was made with the well-being of the volunteers in mind.
“At a time when the acting medical director urges all of us to minimize our social contacts, UCC felt that it was not appropriate to implement the initiative at this time,” he said.
The initiative will return when it is safe to do so, a spokesperson said.
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