GLYNDWR University has stopped all face-to-face teaching as a result of coronavirus.

Officials say that all teaching from the university will be delivered by ‘alternative means’ such as online with immediate effect, after the number of cases of coronavirus in the UK reached over 1,500 on Sunday.

Maria Hinfelaar, vice-chancellor of Wrexham Glyndwr University: “Due to the fast-changing situation regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19), and in line with many other universities, we have taken the decision to suspend face to face lectures.

“Courses and services to students will continue to be delivered via alternative means, including online, allowing students to continue with their studies remotely and minimising face to face group contact.

“In accordance with advice from Government and Public Health Wales, the university and all its campuses remain open as usual at this stage.”

The vice-chancellor said that the university officials will continue to review arrangements as the COVID-19 situation develops – adding that “our priority is the health and wellbeing of staff, students and visitors to the university.”

An email sent to all Glyndwr students was shared with the Leader as the news was shared.

It said: “Given the continuously changing situation regarding Coronavirus, the University has taken the decision to now suspend face to face teaching with immediate effect.

“The University is open but all face to face teaching is to be suspended and from Monday March 23 teaching will be delivered remotely via Moodle and other digital platforms.

“Faculty teams have already been preparing for this and consideration is also being given to delivering end of year assessments through alternative means.

“You will be kept up to date with developments by your Programme Leader via Moodle and you will also find the latest information and advice on your student intranet.

“University facilities, including the library, remain open. Schools, colleges and universities have not been advised to close by the Government and we will therefore remain open until we are advised otherwise.”

The message to students adds that hand sanitiser facilities are in place across the university, cleaning regimes have been increased and advice and guidance posters have been placed around the campuses.

The news follows other universities taking similar precautions across the UK – including Bangor University in Gwynedd, reports our sister title the North Wales Chronicle.

A statement from Bangor University vice-chancellor Professor Iwan Davies said: "Due to the fast changing situation regarding Covid-19, and in line with many other universities, the university executive has taken the decision to suspend all face to face teaching with immediate effect, until the end of the academic year.

"Instead, from Monday March 23 all teaching and other learning materials will be delivered online to enable you to continue with your studies. This applies to undergraduate and taught postgraduate students.

"The university is taking these steps for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, students and the wider community."