UK lockdown: Students stuck in quarantine as PM Boris Johnson outlines three tier system for coronavirus restrictions

Out of date “sludge” and nuts for those with allergies have been served up for students stuck in lockdown as the UK is plunged into a second lockdown.

Revellers enjoy their night out in the centre of Liverpool, north west England which is set to face harsh new restrictions. Picture: Lindsey Parnaby / AFP

Students at UK universities have shared pictures of out of date food they have been receiving inside the “world’s most expensive prison” as parts of the country are plunged back into a second lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a new three-tier system for the country with areas designated medium, high or very high risk.

Most areas are set to medium meaning current restrictions continue, including the 10pm hospitality curfew and “rule of six” for meetings.

However areas under local restrictions already will become designated “very high” and the northwestern city of Liverpool will come under the toughest phase of restrictions that will see pubs, gyms and bars shut with all but essential travel restricted. Retail shops, schools and universities will remain open.

Mr Johnson said the “bleak mathematics” of rising case numbers had made further measures essential.

“We must act to save lives,” he told the UK House of Commons about the plans that will come into effect on Wednesday after a vote on Tuesday.

“I believe not to act would be unforgivable so I hope that rapid progress can be made.”

Mr Johnson said he did not want to revert to a full national style lockdown like the country experienced in March but could not “let the virus rip”.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson will outline tougher restrictions for parts of the country. Picture: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images

STUDENTS FUME OVER QUARANTINE LIFE

Mr Johnson’s government had been determined for students to return to classes following the initial lockdown that saw many miss up to six months off school. However an influx to university towns has seen cases spike with young people in particular driving a rise in the numbers.

So far more than 40 universities have recorded cases with students forced into quarantine in flats and halls of residence, relying on food packages and visits from parents at what was supposed to be a time of hedonistic freedom.

University of Edinburgh student Tess Bailee, 18, created an Instagram account called Pollock Prisoner after her halls of residence, which she dubbed the “world’s most expensive prison”.

She has paid more than A$12,700 (GBP7050) to live in dormitory style accommodation with 18 other people this year.

While her specific unit has not been subject to quarantine yet, she told news.com.au all of her friends had, in an atmosphere thick with “tension”.

She has shared pictures of students receiving out of date food, cupboards infested with mice and people with nut allergies being delivered almond muesli bars.

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Tess Bailee has created an Instagram account for students to share their experience. Picture: Instagram.

Students have been disappointed by having to be quarantined in their first term. Picture: Instagram.

Ms Bailee said she was “naturally apprehensive” about starting university in the middle of the pandemic but “didn’t realise how bad it would be.”

She said the whole atmosphere on campus is subject to “extreme policing” with “intense punishments” for breaking the rules and a “tension here which I wasn’t really expecting.”

“We’re being treated a bit like naughty boarding schools kids and a bit like prisoners. Sometimes we’re treated like kids and sometimes were’re treated like adults.”

She also questioned how much profit the university was making from the students, saying rather than receiving hot meals and hybrid teaching they were being subject to a “slow burn” of the virus which could see them yo yo in and out of isolation all year.

“We’re being used as walking bank accounts. The only reason they bought us here was to take our money. Maybe it was to test herd immunity. I’m dead sure that they have bought us here solely for the purpose of taking our money. Everything about being here shows they didn’t even try to prepare,” she said.

The University of Edinburgh said staff have been working throughout the summer to ensure students receive “world-class education.”

“Students are receiving a hybrid learning experience, in line with Scottish Government guidance, where some in-person teaching takes place on-campus where it is possible and safe to do so.

“Our libraries and other study facilities are open, and we have created new spaces for students to meet and interact during this challenging year.

“What we intend to teach our students, the learning outcomes with which they will graduate, and fee arrangements remain unaltered.

“For those students wishing to vacate University-provided accommodation early, we are waiving our normal 28 day notice period.

“We know that this is a very challenging time for our students, which is why we are offering a range of support, including daily check-ins, pastoral care and a helpline.

“We know that this is a year like no other, but we want to reassure our students that a degree from Edinburgh will be as valuable as it has been for more than 400 years.”

Liverpool has seen a spike in local cases. Picture: Paul ELLIS / AFP

UK IN GRIP OF SECOND WAVE

Speaking on Monday morning local time, medical director of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) Professor Stephen Powis, said emergency Nightingale hospitals in northern England would get ready to take patients over the next few weeks.

England’s deputy medical director Jonathan Van Tam also warned the country is now in a similar place to what it was in March with a rise in hospital admissions and deaths “baked in” to statistics given the rising levels of positive cases.

Health authorities have issued clear warnings in recent weeks the UK is on track for a significant second wave amid autumn weather that forces activities indoors, along with the return of schools and universities.

The UK government has suffered criticism over lockdown rules being vague and hard to follow. Last week pubs and restaurants were ordered to close at 10pm however pictures and video on social media simply showed people partying in the streets.

Ahead of Monday’s announcement, a Downing Street spokesman described the country as being at a “critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance we have set out to help contain the virus.”

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he would reintroduce the successful furlough scheme for parts of the country where businesses are forced to close over the coming winter months. Overall, Britian’s death toll from COVID-19 has topped 42,000 making it the highest in Europe.

Cases have been rising by around 10,000 a day in recent days, however Professor Van Tam has said this cannot be compared with the situation in March in which limited testing capacity meant virus tests were largely administered to those in hospital with the disease.

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