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The University of Exeter has confirmed that one of its students has coronavirus.

The news was released by the university this afternoon, having discovered the student had tested positive 'while abroad' for Covid-19 yesterday.

The university said that, after consulting with Public Health England, it will not be taking 'any additional actions'.

In a statement released to students and staff via email, the university said: "I am writing to let you know that we received a report on the evening of Saturday 14 March that one of our students has been tested whilst abroad and has reported that this test is positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).

"Our immediate concerns are for the affected student, their family and friends, as well as the health and wellbeing of our University community.

NHS coronavirus advice - the facts COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms Stay at home for 7 days if you have either: a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back

a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home. Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home. Read our advice about staying at home. Urgent advice - Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if: you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

your condition gets worse

your symptoms do not get better after 7 days Use the 111 coronavirus service Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. How coronavirus is spread Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus Do wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

always wash your hands when you get home or into work

use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell Don't do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

"The student has not been on campus since 12 March and tested positive at home. When in Exeter they live in a private, one-bedroom apartment and do not share accommodation with anyone else. Our Student Support & Wellbeing Teams are in communication with them. They are with their family, feeling relatively well and would like their privacy respected.

"The University is working with Public Health England (PHE) and their advice is that we do not need to take any additional actions. The student concerned has made direct contact with those most likely to be affected to advise them of the positive test result. I want to thank them for acting so proactively and responsibly.

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"It is very likely that we will see further cases here in the South West over the coming days as the numbers of cases also increase across the UK. We are monitoring the situation very closely. The senior team are meeting today and daily to review our plans and next steps."

The news comes after four cases of coronavirus were confirmed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Three are being treated in the hospital, and a further person has been sent home to self-isolate after guidance was sought.

The University also had to back down to students earlier this week after trying to make them move out of their accommodation at short notice to create quarantine space.

Advising students about what to do if they develop symptoms, the statement released by the university goes on to say: "PHE guidance for individuals is simple and straightforward. If you develop symptoms, however mild, you should self-isolate for 7 days to protect the more vulnerable in our community and call 111 if symptoms persist.

"If you do need to self-isolate then please let us know using the online form (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/coronavirus/students/#a11) so we can make sure you have access to any support you may need. Further advice on self-isolation is available from Public Health England.

"In the meantime the most important thing we can all do to reduce the spread of Coronavirus is to observe the enhanced hygiene measures, particularly hand washing regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.

"We review daily the Public Health England and Government advice to put the right measures in place to protect our staff, students and visitors. We must work together, support each other and show the respect, kindness and compassion that we would expect for everyone in our community.

"I know that this is a concerning time for all of us and if you need someone to talk to, then please reach out to the support services available for students and staff. If you have an urgent query you can call our Coronavirus Helpline. The Helpline is open today, Sunday 15 March, between 2:30pm – 7pm and will also be open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm. Please call Helpline – 01392 725000 (international – +44 300 555 0225) if you have concerns.

"As I indicated in my message on Friday, we are transitioning to teaching online for the last week of term (week beginning 23 March), with alternative arrangements in place where required. We are working with colleagues and departments to make this transition; and we will communicate through departments as arrangements are made.

"There will be no further group face-to-face teaching from 23 March until further notice and lab-based project work will be subject to individual risk assessment. From 23 March, Examinations and Assessments will take place online until further notice, with alternative arrangements in place where required.

"Your college will contact you tomorrow, Monday 16 March, to let you know what the teaching arrangements will be for your programme during this period of transition."

Latest coronavirus figures

The latest figures on the outbreak of cases in the UK revealed the biggest rise yet.

As of 9am on 14 March 2020, 37,746 people have been tested in the UK, of which 36,606 were confirmed negative and 1,140 were confirmed as positive.

The death toll has risen to 21 after it was confirmed today that another ten COVID-19 patients had died. There have been no new confirmed coronavirus cases in the whole of Devon and Cornwall, latest figures show.

However, the figures released by Public Health England show that there has been no change across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, while Cornwall's confirmed Covid-19 cases has dropped by one.

It was previously reported there were five cases across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but Public Health England now state there are four cases.