Canterbury's Student Exodus: Meningitis Scare Empties Pubs and Campus
In the historic city of Canterbury, a palpable hush has descended over student hangouts, with many students opting to depart early for the Easter holidays. This exodus follows a meningitis outbreak that has prompted significant public health measures, including the cancellation of in-person university assessments and the relocation of exams to online platforms.
Quiet Streets and Empty Pubs
At The Cricketers pub in the city centre, staff had prepared for vibrant St Patrick's Day festivities, offering special "Paddy shots" and playing Irish music. However, the expected crowds failed to materialise. Manager Ash Bolonghe noted the stark contrast, stating, "Normally, as soon as the doors open on St Patrick's Day, we're full. But not today." The pub was nearly empty, with only a few theatre-goers present.
Similar scenes unfolded along the high street, where another bar and live music venue stood completely vacant. Staff were observed diligently cleaning surfaces, having anticipated a lunchtime rush from students and office workers that never arrived.
University Campus Eerily Silent
The University of Kent campus, where one of the two fatalities in the outbreak was a student, appeared unusually quiet. While queues for masks and antibiotics at the Senate building had diminished by Tuesday, the halls of residence were largely deserted. Many students had packed their suitcases and departed for the train stations, creating a visible exodus that raises concerns about potential further spread via public transport.
A 24-year-old female student, who wished to remain anonymous, likened the situation to "Covid II," adding, "A lot of students have left. Three of my housemates have already gone." She remarked that while people were calmer due to prior pandemic experience and familiarity with online exams, social activity had ground to a halt, leaving the city "really, really quiet."
Public Health Response and Community Concerns
In response to the outbreak, four venues in Canterbury have been established to administer emergency precautionary antibiotics, with approximately 11,000 doses available. Locations include the Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Westgate Hall, the Thanet Community Health Hub in Broadstairs, and the University of Kent's Senate building.
Stephen, 24, visited Westgate Hall after being advised to take antibiotics due to his attendance at Club Chemistry on dates linked to the outbreak. He expressed frustration, saying, "I think people could have been informed earlier," noting he would have avoided the club had he been warned sooner.
Roland Cobbett, a 66-year-old archaeology researcher, praised the swift setup of antibiotic clinics as "absolutely brilliant" after seeking precautionary treatment for using university facilities. Meanwhile, on the Canterbury Residents Facebook group, worried parents debated removing children from school, and calls emerged for extending the vaccination programme beyond student halls.
Mixed Reactions Among Locals
Despite the scare, daily life continued for many residents, with few wearing masks on the high street. Pauline, a 72-year-old retired tech analyst, commented, "I'm not in a blind panic. I don't think this is as scary as Covid." She acknowledged reduced footfall but understood the concern, noting, "Everybody knows that all the kids congregate at Chemistry."
As Canterbury navigates this public health challenge, the early student departure has left a void in the city's social fabric, with businesses feeling the impact and the community grappling with uncertainty during what is typically a bustling period.
