Students in Scotland are being ordered not to go to bars, restaurants or parties in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in universities.
In the last few days, hundreds of students across the country have tested positive and more are self-isolating.
A statement from Universities Scotland said: “This weekend, the first of the new tighter Scottish Government guidance, we will require students to avoid all socialising outside of their households and outside of their accommodation.
“We will ask them not to go to bars or other hospitality venues.
"We will be clear that this is a necessary step at this crucial moment of managing the virus in the student population, to protect students and the wider community.”
“We will take a strict ‘Yellow Card/Red Card’ approach to breaches of student discipline that put students and others at risk.
"While we first want to advise students about breaches of discipline, we will not hesitate to escalate this to disciplinary action including potential discontinuation of study.”
All students to be required to download the Protect Scotland app.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "To all students - I’m so sorry COVID is making this special time of your lives so tough. But it won’t be forever and the more we get the virus back under control now, the sooner you’ll get a bit of normality back. So, please do what’s being asked of you."
