Sheffield universities issue coronavirus advice to students with Britain on brink of deadly virus

More than 800 cases of the virus, which has killed 26 people in China, have been confirmed globally and 14 people have been tested in the UK though none of those tests has yet come back positive.

A Public Health England (PHE) expert has now said, ahead of a meeting of the Government's Cobra committee at midday today, that it is ‘highly likely’ the virus will reach these shores.

The University of Chester has told its students currently in the country that if they return to China for Chinese New Year they will not be readmitted without a suitable quarantine period, while Newcastle University has issued advice to around 300 students with links to the Hubei province at the centre of the health scare.

The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University both said today that they are closely monitoring the situation but it has yet to have any impact on day-to-day life.

A spokeswoman from the University of Sheffield, said: “The University takes the health and safety of its staff and students very seriously and is carefully monitoring the situation with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan.

“It’s important that our students and staff know about the virus, so we will be sharing detailed guidance and will issue any further advice as it becomes available.

“In the meantime, staff and students are encouraged to continue their University business as normal and students should attend classes and examinations until and unless the University advice changes, in line with Public Health England guidance.

“Some students and staff may be worried about friends and family members in China, so we will be letting them know who they can speak to if they are concerned."

A Sheffield Hallam University spokesman said: “We have issued advice to appropriate students and staff, based on the latest information from Public Health England. We continue to monitor the situation closely, but don’t intend to cancel any university events at this stage.”