UNIVERSITY students could be banned from going home for Christmas because of Covid, Matt Hancock warned.
The Health Secretary said youngsters may be ordered to stay on campus to stop them carrying the virus back home.
His warning is another blow to the nation’s hopes of enjoying a family Christmas.
It came as Glasgow University ordered 600 students into self-isolation after 124 tested positive.
And Scotland banned students from going to the pub — saying those that flout the rule could be kicked off their course.
Mr Hancock told Times Radio he “does not rule out” telling students to stay.
He said: “I very much hope we won’t have to say that. But I don’t rule it out.
“Students, once they’ve gone to university, should stay, so as not to spread the disease.”
In an interview with the BBC he added: “One of the challenges is making sure people are as safe as possible and that includes not spreading between the generations.”
Sage scientists warned cases may soar on campus in December and testing will need to be ramped up.
Jason Leitch, one of Scotland’s top medical bosses, told students they cannot leave to visit families.
Bored students in quarantine at Abertay University, Dundee, stuck notes in their windows appealing for food.
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