Police officers slapped eight students with fines totaling around £ 1,600 for hosting illegal parties across Nottingham city center.
The parties were held early Tuesday, October 13, in an apartment in the towering Marco Island Tower on Brook Street, as well as another in the Litmus Building on Huntingdon Street and one inside a home on Johnson Street, Radford.
Nottinghamshire Police Officers say they were called to the property between 1 AM and 3 AM.
The hefty fines come as Nottingham and the wider province face tougher restrictions from October 14, as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
The restrictions imposed from tomorrow include not mixing with other families indoors, while the rule of six will still apply to those outdoors, where the risk of the virus spreading is considered lower.
Nottingham continues to record the highest injury rate in England.
Assistant Chief Constable Kate Minnell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are seeing an exponential rise in cases across Nottinghamshire, particularly in the city where we currently have more cases per 100,000 people than anywhere else in the UK.
“The seriousness of this situation cannot be underestimated and for this reason the district and the city were classified as a high-risk area under the new three-tier government system.
“We all have a role to play in fighting this disease and this applies to everyone, not just students. However, the fact that these fines are issued to students who host house parties shows that there are still some people who need to understand the potential consequences of their actions.
The reality of the situation could not be more clear – the more prevalent this disease, the more restrictions we can expect in our daily life.
“By working with partners in city and county councils and both universities, we will do our best to participate, encourage and explain why people need to follow the rules. Obviously, those who choose to blatantly ignore the legislation will be fined.
“We will continue to take this approach, as we did throughout the coronavirus crisis, as part of our response to the new restrictions that will take effect tomorrow.”
The force says, in total, eight students were fined £ 200 each and 26 others were warned after officers were summoned to accommodations in the city center and in the Radford area of Nottingham.
It says officers will take preemptive action against those who break the rules, to stop destroying livelihoods in the event that the city is put into a tougher level 3 lockdown, which will only cover central Liverpool for now.
Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Nottingham are now appealing to students to adhere to the rules as part of national efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Nottingham City Council President, Council Member David Millen said: “We know many students are doing the right thing, so it’s incredibly disappointing that this measure was necessary. We have just been placed in the high-risk category by the government for Covid because Our infection rates are on the rise, especially among the younger population.
“It is totally unacceptable for some students to think that this type of behavior does not affect anyone else – it risks spreading a deadly disease into the wider community, so it is time to take this seriously. If not, then we will be put down. Under stricter restrictions by the government, which will affect everyone’s lives even more. “
A spokesperson for Nottingham Trent University added: “We are investigating this matter quickly.
“We have made it clear to our students that – like everyone else – they have a crucial role to play in always following the rules and limiting the spread of this virus.
“When we have evidence of any violations, there may be consequences under our disciplinary procedures, including fines or disqualification from the university.”
A University of Nottingham spokesperson added: “The university will investigate violations of coronavirus restrictions, which are considered a crime under our Student Discipline Code, and there are serious consequences for any student who does not adhere to the rules, including disciplinary measures, fines and fines. Campus penalties – plus police fines. .
“We are in regular contact with our staff and students, and we ask them to continue to follow closely and adhere to government guidelines and public health restrictions, to contain the spread of the virus and protect our university community.”
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