A DURHAM University college summer ball was cancelled hours before it was due to start - as Durham city remains gripped by the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the region.

The decision to cancel St Cuthbert's Summer Ball, due to be held at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, on Tuesday evening, was made by Durham University, in consultation with Durham County Council Public Health and County Durham Safety Advisory Group.

A statement released by St Cuthbert’s Society JCR said: “Unfortunately the event tonight is cancelled. Cuth’s JCR and the venue are disappointed by this decision. We will fully refund all tickets (apart from the FIXR booking fee which we do not get!). We are just as disheartened by this as you are.”

Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) at Durham University said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and the wider community are always our first priority.

“Unfortunately, following the behaviours of a few, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this evening’s event. This decision has been taken following advice from County Durham Safety Advisory Group and Durham County Council Public Health.

“Ticket holders have been contacted directly and we understand that this is disappointing news for students due to attend this evening’s event.

“Other events will continue as planned, providing well-managed opportunities for students to socialise within Covid secure venue guidelines and capacities away from city centre venues. These events will be kept under review considering local and national conditions.

“We remind our community of the restrictions on social gatherings that remain in place, including a limit of 30 people on gatherings outdoors and 6 people indoors.

“We urge all members of our community to continue to follow national and local guidance to help protect themselves and each other; to take regular LFD and PCR tests and to book their Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible.”

In the seven days to June 24 the total cases recorded in Durham city - excluding Gilesgate and Nevill'e Cross - was 314. The rate had increased relative to the previous week by 50 (18.9%).

Case rate per 100,000 people 2,169.6.

 

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