The University of Nottingham has asked both international and UK students to return to their permanent homes ‘if they can’ to avoid “unnecessary contact with others” in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The increased measures by the university also extend to all staff “not fulfilling essential roles” who are being asked to work from home.
The institution has made the announcement as it prepares to move to online learning from Monday, March 23.
Students who are unable to return home will still have access to accommodation and “essential services” such as welfare support.
A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: "The health and safety of our students and staff remains our number one priority during this challenging time for the nation.
“Following the latest Government guidelines, we are asking all staff who are not fulfilling essential roles on campus to work from home wherever they can and, as a result, services including libraries and our sports centres are closing from Friday 20 March.
"From Monday March 23 we will be delivering a full programme of online teaching and have asked our UK students to return to their permanent home in line with the Government's directive on social distancing and avoiding all unnecessary contact with others.
"We appreciate that not all students, including some of our international students affected by international travel restrictions, can return home, and for those students who have to stay on campus we will be providing access to accommodation and essential services such as cleaning and catering in hall accommodation, campus security services and welfare support for students.
“We have also produced a new guide to help our students and staff maintain good mental health and wellbeing during this time.
"We are incredibly proud of the way in which our university community has pulled together to ensure that the education of our students is disrupted as little as possible and that we are protecting the wellbeing of those who are most vulnerable during this difficult time.”
