STUDENTS arriving in Leeds are being warned not to attend illegal house parties as the city battles to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Around 70,000 students are arriving in the city for the start of the new academic year, and they are being urged to keep themselves and others safe by following social distancing rules.

In a message welcoming them city council leader Cllr Judith Blake said: "Coronavirus and Covid-19 is an extremely serious disease and a threat to everyone in our city. We ask that young people, including our students, do everything they can to stay safe, protect others and control the spread of the virus.

“This includes not organising or attending gatherings which break laws and social distancing guidelines, and providing your contact details when you visit venues.

“Let’s all work #togetherLeeds and play our part in reducing the spread of coronavirus in Leeds.”

The message is echoed by the city's higher education leaders and students’ union leaders who have issued a joint statement with the council. Leeds Trinity vice-chancellor Professor Margaret A House and the university's students' union president Chelsey Grooby are among those signing the statement.

It says: "This year, we understand there may be concerns about the impact on the safety of our communities. Together with Leeds City Council, the police, hospital trusts, community groups and other partners, we are working to ensure the wider community is supported when it comes to staying safe.

"We are proud of the long-standing and positive relationships we have forged with our local communities. Universities and colleges are important to the local area, boosting employment and spending. Their social and cultural influence places them at the heart of the community.

"A huge amount of work has been undertaken to make campuses welcoming and covid-secure, and to ensure our students and staff understand what we must all do to keep each other and our neighbours safe.

"More than ever, it is crucial that we all protect and share responsibility for the communities we all work and live in – and that we respect, support and show consideration for one another.

"This includes not organising or attending gatherings which break laws and Government social distancing guidelines, and showing kindness and support for everyone who is vulnerable or needing to self-isolate.

"We all take reports about anyone organising or attending illegal house parties very seriously and make students aware of the potential sanctions they could receive, which include police fines and disciplinary action.

"Anyone with concerns about behaviour in their neighbourhood can contact the Neighbourhood Helpline (via web, email or 0113 3431064), which is operated by the city’s universities, in partnership with the city council and police.

"The higher education providers have established guidelines to help keep each other safe. These include encouraging regular handwashing and using newly-installed hand sanitisation stations, wearing face coverings where required and maintaining a safe distance from each other on and off campuses. Students and staff are advised to remain at home if they feel unwell – booking a test if appropriate and following official guidance.

"Some students arriving from outside the UK will need to self-isolate when they arrive. They can get support with food and essential supplies from their respective institution to help them during this period.

"We are also introducing a wide range of measures related directly to learning and teaching to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, including delivering large lectures and teaching online, limiting room capacities, enhanced cleaning on campuses and asking staff to work from home whenever possible.

"Finally, the University of Leeds also hosts a COVID-19 testing centre to support the NHS Test and Trace service. This is currently open to everyone experiencing symptoms and needing to book a test, whether they are staff, students or members of the public.

"Please rest assured that we are all committed to doing everything we can to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone in our communities throughout these difficult times."