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Cork City residents have asked University College Cork (UCC) to cancel Freshers Week as the number of Covid-19 cases in Cork continues to rise.
Yesterday, another 54 cases were confirmed in Cork and the county is under consideration for additional lockdown measures.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed Sunday that additional restrictions could be announced this week.
The Magazine Road Residents Association said the event is easing the risk of spreading the coronavirus among students and the wider community.
Over the weekend, UCC Acting President Professor John Halloran appealed to the UCC Student Union to postpone plans for Virtual Freshers Week.
On Friday evening, a Zoom call took place between Professor Halloran, the City Council, representatives of the Student Union and gardaí to discuss the event that is now underway.
The Magazine Road Residents Association said the decision to continue the event despite efforts to have the SU cancel it “shows a real disconnect among the student union on how Fresher’s Week is impacting residents.”
In a statement today, the Association said: “There will be nothing ‘virtual’ about house parties and antisocial behavior resulting from the UCC Student Union ‘virtual’ Fresher Week.
“When the people of Cork were asked to minimize social contacts and the UCC moved the conferences online, the Student Union displayed shocking irresponsibility and blatant disregard for the health and economic well-being of the citizens of the city of Cork “.
Professor Halloran has warned students that they could face penalties, including expulsion from the university, if they violate Covid-19 guidelines by organizing or attending meetings in the coming weeks.
In an email to all students, Professor John Halloran stated: “Students who host, organize or attend meetings in violation of the guidelines will be subject to penalties up to and including expulsion from the university, when warranted.”
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