Students have been banned from visiting their family homes and will be ordered to stay away from pubs, after a surge in coronavirus cases in Scottish halls of residence left more than 1,000 teenagers in self-isolation. Nicola Sturgeon was accused of a “shocking lack of foresight” for failing to do more to prevent a rapidly escalating crisis, with a series of major Covid-19 outbreaks emerging in university accommodation since students arrived earlier this month. In a draconian set of new rules agreed between universities and backed by SNP ministers on Thursday night, all students will be ordered to “avoid all socialising outside of their households” including visiting pubs, bars or restaurants this weekend. It means students will face significantly harsher rules than any other group in society.
