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The government must promise college students that they will be able to return home to their families by Christmas, says the Labor Party secretary for parallel education.
Kate Green has written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson asking for “urgent clarity and reassurance” on the matter.
It comes after 1,700 students in Manchester Metropolitan University They were told to stay in their rooms for two weeks after 127 tested positive for the coronavirus.
Across the UK, at least 32 universities have confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 510 cases have been identified among students and staff since universities reopened, according to data compiled by Sky News as of Sept.25.
The government’s scientific advisor Sir Mark Walport has previously said that students may need to remain in the hallways after school ends to prevent them from transmitting the infection to older relatives.
But Ms. Green said, “Leaving home to go to college should be a momentous and exciting step for young people and their families.
“Universities have done their best to prepare for the safe return of students, but the government has again disappointed young people.
“It is unthinkable that students are locked in their rooms and cannot return home to spend Christmas with their families. The government must promise that this will not happen and work with the universities so that all students can access the tests so that They can travel home safely.
“The government should also consider a delay in the start of the course or a pause in migration for universities where the course has not yet begun to allow for improvements in testing capacity and the provision of remote learning.
“Gavin Williamson must urgently go to Parliament and lay out how he will resolve the critical situation at our universities that is causing so much anxiety for families across the country.”
A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said: “The government is working closely with universities to ensure they are well prepared for the return of students, and we have published a guide to help them keep students and staff as safe. possible”.
“Students need to follow the latest health advice, just like the general public, which means they need to stay in college in case they have symptoms, have to isolate themselves, additional restrictions are imposed locally, or there is an outbreak. on campus or at your accommodation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and follow the advice of Public Health England, adapting policies to best support students and providers.”
Meanwhile, the University of Glasgow has agreed to reimburse students for a month’s rent, in addition to giving them a £ 50 meal fee.
It follows 124 cases of the virus reported at the university on Thursday.
The number of food packages for those in isolation will be increased, along with the provision of cleaning materials, bedding and towels.
The university’s lead professor, Sir Anton Muscatelli, said: “We are offering everyone in our residences, regardless of whether they are isolated or not, a one-month rent refund to compensate for the disruption they face and any financial hardships they may have found. “
He said it was not “the beginning of academic life that anyone would like” and thanked those who isolated for “doing their part.”
