Here's how Yorkshire universities are preparing for coronavirus outbreak

Yorkshire universities across the region are ramping up precautionary efforts as virus is expected to spread "in a significant way", with measures including travel restrictions and extra hand sanitiers.

Many institutions have put in place extra precautions in preparation to cope as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK continues to rise.

Some of the Yorkshire universities have enforced travel bans, including the University of Leeds, Sheffield Hallam University, and the University of Hull.

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The Leeds-based institute placed the restrictions on staff and students, on university business, to mainland China, Iran and the cities of Daegu and Cheongdo in South Korea.

Spectators wearing masks to protect against coronavirus outside the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, London on Commonwealth Day.
Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PASpectators wearing masks to protect against coronavirus outside the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, London on Commonwealth Day.
Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PA
Spectators wearing masks to protect against coronavirus outside the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, London on Commonwealth Day. Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PA

The university is not permitting staff to journey to ten small towns in the Lombardy region of Italy including Codogno, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio and Maleo and one small town in the Veneto region of Italy.

Staff or students who have traveled from any of the previous places in the last two weeks have also been told they need to self isolate for 14 days, and call NHS 111, after arriving back in the UK, even if they do not have any of the symptoms of the new coronavirus.

Meanwhile a spokesperson from Sheffield Hallam University said that although the university "remains open for business as normal," with no current plans to cancel any events or activities taking place on campus, some overseas events and staff student travel plans have been suspended for the time-being.

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This includes travel and transit through: China, Hong Kong, Iran, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Japan, Northern Italy, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Macau until Thursday April 30 2020.

Sheffield Hallam University, along with Leeds Trinity University, haveput in place a range of measures to promote good hygiene across campus, including installing extra hand sanitisers. Photo credit: Gerard BinksSheffield Hallam University, along with Leeds Trinity University, haveput in place a range of measures to promote good hygiene across campus, including installing extra hand sanitisers. Photo credit: Gerard Binks
Sheffield Hallam University, along with Leeds Trinity University, haveput in place a range of measures to promote good hygiene across campus, including installing extra hand sanitisers. Photo credit: Gerard Binks

A spokesperson from the University of Hull said: "Currently, all lectures, events and activities on campus here in Hull are continuing as normal."

However, the university has suspended all business travel to high-risk areas until at least the end of March 2020 and may implement further travel restrictions.

"As the UK is moving towards the ‘delay’ phase of the plan to tackle the coronavirus, the University of Hull’s main priority is to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students, staff and wider community," the University of Hull spokesperson added.

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Hull have also set up a dedicated action line to provide advice and support to staff and students. And currently all lectures, events and activities on campus the city are continuing as normal.

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Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in UK continues to rise

"We have increased the number of hand sanitisers on campus and are proactively encouraging good hygiene, such as more frequent hand washing, following national guidance from Public Health England," said a spokesperson from Leeds Trinity University. "We have, however not stockpiled anything including toilet roll".

The spokesperson added: "There is no blanket travel ban but, clearly, at this time, the university takes the destination of travel and advice from relevant authorities into consideration before approving travel.

"We have established a contingency planning group which includes clear communication channels for students, staff and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the situation and follow guidance and advice from Public Health England".

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The university has also created a senior leadership team had been established to develop and implement contingency plans to cover a range of possible scenarios that may impact the university. And the institute will work with Universities UK and the Russell Group to ensure that the sector’s needs are represented on any national response.

Meanwhile Leeds Beckett University are making preparations in line with advice from Public Health England regarding coronavirus.

“We are carefully monitoring the situation and will issue further advice and guidance as it becomes available," a spokesperson for Leeds Beckett University said.

“In the meantime, students and colleagues are encouraged to continue their university business as normal.”

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The number of confirmed cases in the UK currently stands at 280.

A third patient in the UK died yesterday. The man, who was in his 60s, was being treated at the North Manchester General Hospital and had significant underlying health conditions.

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