Coventry University students ‘mock Covid-19 rules at party’

Up to 200 students are believed to have gathered for a party, circumventing coronavirus restrictions.

Police said officers had attended the corridors of Coventry University in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Officers have worked with the Arundel House administration to close down some common areas and increase security, West Midlands Police said.

The university is “deeply concerned” by a video of the party and condemned the “flagrant violations” of the rules.

Images of the Whitefriars Lane accommodation appeared on social media showing a large group of people apparently not complying with social distancing rules.

Current government guidance states that only groups of six or fewer are allowed to meet, and students have been told to limit socializing, stay in separate “homes” and be taught in managed groups.

Coventry University said it “strongly condemns flagrant violations of the rule of six and other guidelines as they put the health of our students, colleagues and the communities in which we are located at risk.”

Ian Dunn, the university’s chancellor, described the images as “scandalous and deeply unfair.”

He told the BBC that the university was taking the incident “very seriously” and that he was sure its code of conduct had been violated.

However, “the vast majority of our students are behaving responsibly,” he added.

A spokesperson said the university’s code of conduct had been “widely” shared with students, making it clear that failure to adhere to health guidelines would constitute a violation of the university’s disciplinary regulations.

“Appropriate action” will be taken if any of those involved in the video are found to be students, they added.

Police said officers were examining the CCTV of the Coventry meeting and “will take action if evidence comes to light that it was a planned party.”

Nido, who manages the hallways, said it had restricted visitors to the building and increased security after the meeting.

“We do not want the actions of a few to affect the experience of many,” said a spokesperson.