Covid warning for St Andrews students after four test positive following Freshers' Week party

And over 40 people are now in enforced isolation as a result.

In a message to students on Monday morning, Professor Sally Mapstone, the principal and vice-chancellor of St Andrews, said the students who tested positive all have comparatively mild illness and are being appropriately supported.

And she urged students to continue to follow the ‘voluntary restrictions’ introduced on Friday to minimise the risk of the virus spreading further.

"Quite apart from the fact that the party broke the law, and our own very clear guidelines on socialising and safe behaviour, the ripples from this single incident have consequences for all of us,” she said.

“The next few days are especially important. In light of these latest cases, and the fact that they were acquired in St Andrews, I must ask all of you to continue to support our voluntary response to risk.

"Please do not socialise with anyone outside your household group. Please do not arrange or attend parties unless they are only attended by your immediate household group.

"You should continue to attend the in person teaching already underway in some of our practical-based degree modules, to go to work if you have a job, and to take exercise as normal.”

Professor Mapstone added the university would also be restarting some activities cancelled over the weekend, including opening the library and restarting non-contact sport, although St Andrews will not “host visiting teams for the time being”.