UNIVERSITIES Minister has urged students to take their responsibilities in the current pandemic seriously while reassuring them about their own safety.

University of Bolton opened its doors to students this week with a number of measures in place to keep campus ‘covid-secure’.

Minister Michelle Donelan said: “This is a challenging time for us all, and I recognise that some residents in university towns and cities such as Bolton, and its surrounding areas, may feel nervous ahead of the start of the academic term.

“But I want to reassure the people of Bolton that every effort is being made by the Government and universities to ensure that students return to campus as safely and sensibly as possible.

“We have already seen a mammoth effort from universities with a host of protective measures being put in place, such as limiting travel into campus, staggering class times over extended days, and reinforcing hand hygiene, to keep students and local residents as safe as we can during this time.

“But I have been clear that health advice only works if we all follow it and I am urging students, just like the wider public, to do their bit and act responsibly.

“I have faith in students that they will follow the guidance and by doing so protect their family, friends and local communities, and ensure campuses can remain open.”

Measures implements by University of Bolton include providing bikes, installing sophisticated airport style walk through temperature scanners at every building entry, social distancing measures and one way walk way systems in place.