Coronavirus: University of Portsmouth says is business as usual as Southampton University ends term early amid outbreak

Leaders at the University of Southampton announced the move to call off lectures today.

The education establishment insisted it was not closing, with research sites, building and libraries still remaining open.

But in a statement, the university said: ‘As yesterday’s meeting of the university’s business continuity committee we have made the pragmatic decision to bring forward by one week the end of this current term to the end of today.

‘We will keep any impact to the absolute minimum and ensure all students can successfully complete their term’s learning.

‘No teaching will take place next week, but the university will remain fully open and operational in line with the current government advice, apart from the planned university closure days around Easter.’

Other changes being implemented by the university include:

All international field trips have been cancelled

All international staff travel on university business, unless absolutely necessary, has been cancelledVisit day on Saturday, March 28 for those offered a place at the university has been cancelledSummer graduations have been postponed until further notice

Meanwhile, the University of Portsmouth has confirmed it will remain business as usual amid the outbreak.

But officials from the city establishment insisted they were keeping a close eye on the situation and that ‘contingency plans’ were being drafted.

A spokeswoman said: ‘At this stage, our teaching and research activities are taking place as usual.

‘We are monitoring the situation closely and will respond accordingly in line with any national guidance from the government.

‘We are aware that this is a fast-developing situation and are putting contingency plans in place to ensure that our students can continue to receive teaching, assessment and any support they might need to complete their studies and that we can continue to operate the university should the current situation change.’

Southampton added staff would be working hard during the holiday to ‘put plans in place’ to continue the delivery of ‘teaching and learning’.

Summer term will begin as normal on Monday, April 20, the university added.