HALIFAX -- Dalhousie University is now considering disciplinary action against students they say attended a gathering that broke COVID-19 rules, and the students involved have since apologized.
On Friday, Halifax Regional Police ticketed 22 people for allegedly violating the Health Protection Act at a "large social gathering."
Around 1 a.m., police say they responded to a house on Jubilee Road in Halifax that was exceeding provincial gathering limits.
On Saturday, Dalhousie University issued the following statement, first to CTV News via email, then a similar message on Twitter:
"The university would have no way of knowing if those charged were students," university spokesperson Janet Bryson said.
"We’re counting on all of our students to share the responsibility for keeping our Dalhousie community and the surrounding community of Halifax, safe and healthy," she said. "That includes proper physical distancing, wearing a mask in public spaces, and avoiding large gatherings."
"We have been in constant contact with our students ensuring they are aware of the public health measures and the subsequent consequences to disregarding these measures, and the university’s expectations," added Bryson.
Twenty-two people were handed summary offence tickets, each carrying a fine of $1,000. The total cost of the tickets adds up to $22,000.
Later, the university said it was indeed able to confirm Dalhousie students attended the party, and is considering suspending them.
APOLOGY FROM STUDENTS
On Sunday, the seven Dalhousie students who live in the house on Jubilee Rd., and later posted photos of the tickets on social media, issued the following statement to CTV News:
"We deeply regret our actions and we sincerely apologize to Dalhousie and the people of Halifax."
They say they've received threats -- and say someone broke their door.
The students, who are in their first year of study, say seven of them live in the house, then the rest came, celebrating the end of the school year.
Halifax Regional Police says it encourages everyone to educate themselves about public health measures, and follow them.
