A student at St Andrews University has tested positive for coronavirus.

Fellow students and staff at the Fife institution were informed of the case of Covid-19 by principal Professor Sally Mapstone.

The patient, who had recently been in Switzerland, is self-isolating and was said to be recovering with appropriate medical care and support from the student services team.

They fell ill the day after they returned to the UK and contacted NHS 111 when symptoms appeared.

Professor Mapstone said the student lived alone in private accommodation.

She said: “We have been planning extensively for this eventuality for several weeks and our established protocols and advice have been closely followed.

“We understand this development will cause concern amongst our students, staff and the wider community.

“It is however entirely expected given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic.”

Classes at the university are to continue on Friday, which is the last day of teaching before the spring break.

Earlier this week St Andrews students were advised to prepare for all teaching and assessment to take place online and staff teams have worked to put in place technology necessary to offer teaching and examinations remotely.