Manchester Metropolitan University will suspend face-to-face teaching due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been confirmed.
Following the spread of COVID-19, the university has announced plans to end “face-to-face teaching” from Friday 27th March “and potentially sooner, if requested by the government”.
The university is preparing to support students to continue with assessments and exams following the decision.
Manchester Met Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press, shared an online update stating: “The wellbeing of our students is always a top priority.
“To safeguard our whole community and slow the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), we have decided to end face-to-face teaching at Manchester Metropolitan University from Friday 27 March, and potentially sooner, if requested by the government.
“Tutors across our Faculties are now preparing to support this and will update you on how to access remaining teaching via Moodle sites.
“To be prudent, the University is also planning how best to deliver assessments, exams and credits, should we need to change our usual processes for the Summer Term. We will update you on any changes as soon as possible.
“You will be free to go home for the Easter Break from Friday 27 March or remain on campus and in Halls as usual.”
“Managing the spread of the coronavirus is a fast moving situation and the UK government may ask us to take further measures at short notice.”
The decision came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and government ministers attended a COBRA meeting today which decided on whether the UK should introduce stricter rules surrounding social distancing measures, restrictions on public gatherings and advice for people to remain indoors.
A press conference will take place today to announce the outcome of the meeting.
Today, the World Health Organisation confirmed the Novel Cornanvirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic, a disease which is spreading across multiple countries around the world at the same time.
There are currently 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Greater Manchester (as of 3pm, Thursday March 12), with 590 positive cases of coronavirus across the UK, a number which rose from 456 in the past 24 hours.
Over 29,000 tests for COVID-19 have been carried out in the country so far.
NHS guidelines state that people should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
For more information regarding coronavirus at MMU, visit a Student Hub, contact them online or call: 0161 247 1000.
The university’s FAQ on Student Life is also updated daily. If you have specific concerns about infection, you should call NHS 111.
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