Glasgow University students plead to move freely in Covid-19 hit Murano

Youngsters at Murano Street Student Hall believe Glasgow University chiefs should allow a "bubble" inside the accommodation to stem a potential tide of "collateral damage". 

More than 600 people at halls across the city were placed under lock and key last week, prompting several days of protest which later led to the Scottish Government conceding students could return home on a long-term basis. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus: 'Mass exodus' of students from locked down university accommodation

In a letter sent by a group from Murano to principal Anton Muscatelli, students wrote: "Given the numbers of students in Murano who currently have Covid-19, we are asking that once they are out from their isolation period, that the students within the hall as a whole are able to mix freely i.e. as one large ‘bubble’ and build proper relationships with other like-minded students across Murano Hall. 

Anton Muscatell

"I understand that the government does not want the students to be in large groups in pubs, shops or other public places where vulnerable people may be but there is little to no reason why they should not mix in the common areas of the hall and each others’ flats; a bar could be set up in the hall which lots of students would be happy to run, therefore having the freedom that is so key to our wellbeing without exposing the wider population.

READ MORE: Glasgow University students speak out amid coronavirus outbreak

"This would also stop the inevitable problem of students drinking on the streets which was seen so much during freshers week. 

"Failing to allow more freedom will, amongst the student population, cause far more collateral damage than Covid-19 could ever cause for young people." 

A spokesman for the University of Glasgow said: “The university’s number one priority continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our students, particularly those self isolating in residences.

"We will continue to support students around the clock and have living support assistants on hand in each of our residences. 

"For the time being Scottish Government guidelines prohibit households from mixing indoors. 

"While we recognise it has been a difficult start to the academic year for students, these guidelines must be followed and the university will support students to do so.”