Kingston University (KU) has ended all face face to face teaching and cancelled exams amid a raft of measures designed to slow the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

KU said on Thursday (March 19) the "health well-being and safety" of its students and staff was of paramount concern in a statement that detailed some of the new measures the university was now taking.

After previously announcing restrictions on teaching Tuesday, KU revealed heightened steps to slow the spread of Covid- 19 among its community and the wider public:

"We have put a number of precautions in place to minimise the risk of infection across our university community, acting in line with the the latest advice from the government as it unveils additional plans to help tackle the spread of the virus," a spokespeson said.

"As a result of further developments at a national level, the University has introduced a number of additional measures to protect our community.

  • Face-to-face teaching on taught programmes has stopped. We have also cancelled examinations that were due to take place on campus in the spring and are arranging alternative forms of online assessment instead.
  • We have postponed all major events until further notice.
  • From Tuesday 17 March, all staff who can carry out their duties from home will be supported to do so.
  • International students and those on overseas placements will be encouraged to follow the advice available for their specific situations and make travel plans if necessary.
  • Staff will be asked not to travel either nationally or internationally on university business."

Amid the teaching suspension, KU said it would "deliver teaching and revision materials remotely wherever possible".

"Alternative forms of online assessment" will meanwhile replace Spring term exams, with arrangements varying between courses and levels.

A range of public health measures based on existing government and Public Health England (PHE) including frequent hand washing and social distancing measures are also being heavily recommended, the university said.