A joint statement from Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool; Professor Ian Campbell, Vice-Chancellor, Liverpool John Moores University; Professor Gerald Pillay, Vice Chancellor & Rector, Liverpool Hope University; and Professor David Lalloo, Director, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, in response to the mass gathering that took place in Sefton Park on Wednesday, 17 March 2021:
We are appalled by the reckless actions of those who gathered in Sefton Park in clear breach of the rules that the vast majority of people in Liverpool have been following to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
While it is not clear who took part in these gatherings, all three universities and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine will be reminding students of their crucial responsibility to observe Government guidelines in order to protect not just themselves but the entire community from exposure to the Coronavirus.
While the rate of infection across the Merseyside region is falling, we recognise there is no room for complacency and we will be reasserting this message in the strongest terms possible.
We have been very clear in our expectations of our communities and thousands of students have signed up to our Community Pledge, committing to doing all they can to keep everyone safe. When we have had evidence of students contravening restrictions, we have acted.
We will also continue to do all we can to keep our city safe, which includes regular testing of all students and staff on campus, as well as robust isolation protocols.