Falmouth and Penryn's two university campuses have spoken further about what they are doing to help control the spread of coronavirus whilst providing a good experience for their students and supporting the local community.

As well as on-campus changes, new hygiene measures and strict guidance on behaviours, Falmouth University and the University of Exeter have also funded two Covid-marshals in the community, in Falmouth town.

The marshals will be a visible presence in key streets and on the beaches between 4pm and 4am, seven days a week.

They’ll also wear bodycams and work with the police and local authorities to help prevent any breaches of the law.

Richard Gates, Falmouth town manager, said: “On behalf of the town council and Falmouth BID I am pleased that the two universities are supporting these extra measures.

"It is very important that we are all working together effectively, ensuring everyone in the community, including students are following the guidelines.”

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Aware of national concern about the importance of good Covid-behaviours, the universities said they had also made clear to their students that breaches of government guidelines would not be tolerated.

They have introduced a framework of sanctions, ranging from cautions, to fines and, in the most serious cases, suspensions.

Mike Shore-Nye, registrar and secretary at the University of Exeter, said: “The universities worked extremely hard over the summer to engage with students on their arrival or return for the new academic year.

"Safety is always our top priority and we are confident that if any student put either themselves or their fellow community members at risk that we could and would respond robustly.

“If the conduct of a student falls below the standard we expect then we are applying a range of sanctions, including verbal warnings, cautions and fines and, where behaviour is deemed to be more serious, we will impose suspensions or expulsion.”

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Peter Cox, chief operating officer at Falmouth University, agreed that the health and welfare of students, staff and the wider community was its priority.

He added: "We have invested in our own Rapid Response Hub and a partnership with a commercial testing partner, for fast testing and the efficient management of any suspected cases.

"The team is working closely with Public Health England, Cornwall Council and the national track and trace programme to ensure the swift and effective self-isolation in case of any positive cases, so we can contain any risk of spread.”

In line with government guidance, the universities continue to offer education in a 'blended learning' format, which is a mix of online and in-person lectures, seminars and tutorials as well as carefully managed access to campus facilities.