Students told lectures KO’D

Students at the University of the West of Scotland have been asked not to attend lectures as the coronavirus pandemic heightens.

The university, which has a campus outside Hamilton, have been keeping staff and students up to date via their Twitter feed and emails – and on Sunday evening they alerted people to their decision.

Whilst staff were still in attendance earlier this week, students have been told not make their way to lectures.

However, they can access the university’s library and campus cafeteria if needed.

The move comes after a person from the Lanarkshire campus tested positive for coronavirus.

It is understood the person – from the base at Hamilton International Technology Park – was confirmed as having the COVID-19 strain last weekend. In a statement posted on Twitter it read: “In response to the nationally evolving coronavirus situation, the university is asking students not to attend our campuses from Monday, March 16, 2020.

“UWS campuses are not closed and staff will be required to continue to attend campuses as normal, in order to support students and their continued learning needs during this period. If this situation changes we will advise as soon as possible.

“Students are still able to attend campus for use of the library and catering facilities and other resources.

“However, in postponing classes and moving to remote learning, we hope to be able to reduce the number of individuals on campus at any one time.”

Students have also been informed that learning materials are available through Moodle and other platforms for the final two weeks of the current term and that the university will soon provide advice on how to find out about specific detail at course level. The statement continued: “Students are advised to continue to check Moodle for updates.

“We appreciate this may be an anxious time for some members of our community. We want to reassure our students, staff and visitors that we have a robust approach in place, to monitor and mitigate the impact of coronavirus.

“We will continue to keep our UWS community fully up-to-date as the situation evolves.”

All UWS activity and planning is informed by NHS public health and Scottish Government advice and guidance.

The statement added: “We have local structures in place to allow us to react appropriately to any developments. These include highly developed business continuity plans, covering all aspects of university business.

“If you’d like any health advice, information about coronavirus and answers to common questions, please visit the NHS Inform website.”