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The University of Liverpool has cancelled all face to face classes at its Liverpool and London campuses in response to coronavirus.

An email from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor seen by the ECHO outlined the measures the university had undertaken.

The message also said that the university is not aware of any confirmed cases among students or staff.

The email said: "We are continuing to closely monitor developments in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and I am writing to let you know that the University has today decided to take a number of additional steps to protect the wellbeing of our students and staff.

"From Monday 16 March, face-to-face classes including lectures, laboratory-based classes, seminars and tutorials at the Liverpool and London campuses are cancelled for the remainder of the 2019/20 academic year.

(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)

"We will be making arrangements for you to continue your learning online so that your progress is unaffected by this change. Your School may be in touch about any limited exceptions.

"If you are studying on a clinical programme (in the Dental, Health Sciences, Medical or Veterinary Schools) I know some of you will already have had guidance from your school about what to do next.

"If not then please await more specific details of how this affects your timetable, as your School will be identifying a list of essential activities you should still attend.

"Wherever possible, assessment during the summer term will also be done through alternative means.

"This may include essays or open book exams, but please be assured that you will only be assessed in a way your studies have prepared you for.

"If you are a Postgraduate Researcher please continue as usual for now and await instructions from your supervisor next week."

(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

The libraries will remain open, with some additional public health measures in place including seating restrictions.

Leisure facilities will also be open although all provision of this kind will remain under review.

The University's student accommodation will remain open as normal.

Student services including Counselling, the Mental Health Advisory Service and Student Welfare Advice and Guidance will continue to operate on campus with enhanced support through phone and email.

The email continued: "The wellbeing of our students and staff is more important to us than anything. University leaders have been meeting on a daily basis for a number of weeks to discuss our response to the current outbreak, including how best to alleviate the concerns expressed by many of our students and how best to protect everyone in the University community from the spread of COVID-19.

"As a result, we have already taken a number of additional steps over and above the guidance provided by government agencies.

"Although it is important we keep this illness in perspective and we are not aware of any confirmed cases among our students or staff we have decided that now is the right time to enable our students to learn in a way that significantly reduces the need for people to gather together in a teaching environment.

"We recognise that this will change your learning experience over this period and have not taken this decision lightly. However, we hope that it will provide reassurance to you that we are doing everything we can to prioritise your wellbeing.

"Our aim is to make sure you can continue with your studies and progress at the same rate as you would with a normal teaching schedule. If you are due to graduate this summer, we fully expect you to be able to do so."

One second-year criminology student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the ECHO: "It's quite frustrating. Everyone understands but the whole second semester we have had literally no contact hours. We are expected to continue with assessments through being self taught, because the strikes and what's happening now. I have had two to three weeks of contact time out of the whole semester.

"It's very stressful."