UoB will fine students up to £800 if they don’t practice social distancing

The University of Bristol has emailed all students in halls of residences to inform them they could be fined up to £800 for not following social distancing rules.

The email, signed by Professor Sarah Purdy (Pro-VC for Student Experience), states that the uni has “received some reports of anti-social behaviour by students in both residences and in the local community”.

This includes “disregarding this government advice regarding social distancing and isolation.”

The full email sent to students in residences

In a rather lengthy section, the email says that students are “risking the health and safety” of students and “staff who are working hard and at their own risk to support you.”

The paragraph continues by describing the Uni’s disciplinary procedure, asserting that disregarding government advice amounts to “misconduct”, which is defined as “action likely to cause injury or impair safety on University premises”.

It lists penalties as a result, such as “a recording of the misconduct and penalty on your central University record”, which could be included in references given by the university, and a fine of “up to £800”.

The section closes in saying that the uni will “pursue such misconduct to the full extent possible given the gravity of the current threat to our university community and wider society.”

Click here for the uni’s general FAQ page on the Covid-19 pandemic

Click here for the Accommodation Office’s FAQ page, with information for students in residences