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The University of Gloucestershire has announced it will be halting all face-to-face teaching.

The university stated the ‘safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority’ and will be following government advice to avoid large public gatherings in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The changes will take effect from Wednesday, March 18, and all teaching and support will be provided online.

The institution has stated the university will remain open however going forward. The university is located over three campuses, two in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester.

A statement on the University's website said: “Following yesterday’s Government announcements, the University has taken urgent action in response.

“In accordance with current Government guidance, all our campuses will remain open, and we will do our best to maintain services for students.

“However, in line with the imperative to apply “social distancing” to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, we are now suspending face to face teaching from Wednesday March 18, and will be moving to provide all teaching and support for learning online.

This development follows the decision that all public facing events organised by the university have also been cancelled until the end of April.

The statement goes on to say: “Wherever possible, all assessment will also be done online. Our campuses, student accommodation and student facing facilities such as libraries will remain open.

“Students have been advised that they are welcome to stay at University in their term time accommodation if they wish, but are also free to go home if they prefer.

“In accordance with the Government advice, university staff are being advised to work from home where possible, whilst maintaining provision of student facing services on campus as far as we can.”