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Two ‘Covid marshals’ are to be brought into the Falmouth and Penryn area to make sure students are following social distancing rules.
They are being funded by Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, in cooperation with the Falmouth Town Team.
The marshals will be patrolling the town centre, beaches and residentials area each day from 4pm until 4am, making sure that students, residents and visitors are following the current guidelines of the Rule of Six, mask wearing and social distancing.
Cornwall Councillor Jayne Kirkham, who has been working with the universities alongside Falmouth Town Council and Cornwall Council, police and other organisations, gave the update after previously raising concerns about the government’s handling of students returning to universities around the country.
She said that in addition to the marshals being brought in, the universities had also introduced a ‘Covid sanction framework’ that set out consequences for anyone found to have breached the Covid-19 guidelines following a report by a competent person or authority, or following an investigation of a complaint.
An information leaflet is to be delivered to houses in Falmouth via the Royal Mail.
Read next: Coronavirus in Cornwall round up: Monday, October 12
Mrs Kirkham added: “I asked about support being given to students who need to isolate and was told that the universities call daily and provide food deliveries and other assistance if needed. Testing on campus continues.”
She went on to give positive news about the current Covid-19 testing capabilities in the area, saying: “I managed to book a Covid test at the Falmouth Rugby Club Serco testing centre on Monday.
“I am pleased that the government appear to be finally listening and considering letting local authority public health teams take control of the testing and tracing system locally.
“It can only make it better than the very patchy national system we have been subjected to so far, as we currently seem to lose our lab capacity for Cornwall when the national system gets overwhelmed.”
Read next: Anger over government handling of students’ return to Falmouth – and some advice
Anyone needing to get in touch with the university can call the community line on 01326 370737, or email community@fxplus.ac.uk
Students living in the community can access university support between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday by contacting 01326 370460 or emailing studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk, or for immediate advice out of hours contacting campus staff at Glasney Lodge on 01326 253503.
Mrs Kirkham added: “As a student, if you begin to experience Covid-19 symptoms, however mild, self-isolate and contact the Rapid Response Team straight away, who will provide you with a test.
“Email rapidresponse@fxplus.ac.uk or call 01326 370402.”
