Leeds Trinity University says it will ‘closely monitor’ Covid-19 cases

It follows announcements from universities, including The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Sheffield that they were switching to online learning for students.

And, while Leeds Trinity University said it would continue with their plan of “blended learning”, it is not known what the immediate plans are for the other universities.

A spokesperson for Leeds Trinity University said: “We are currently taking a blended approach to teaching and learning, providing a combination of on-campus and online delivery, and at present the University has no plans to change this.

“We are, however, closely monitoring the local and national situation and will continue to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and the local community.

“All our on-campus teaching and facilities have been designed with safety measures in place. These protocols have been developed in partnership with a specialist health and safety consultancy who have conducted detailed risk assessments and reviewed the University policies and processes in line with the latest guidance from Public Health England.”

The statement went on to list 17 safety measures on its Brownberrie Lane campus including monitoring systems, one-way walkways and mandatory use of face coverings inside university buildings.

It follows MPs and campaigners calling on educational institutions to move to online learning so students can work from home, and for fees for student halls to be reimbursed.

The spokesperson from Leeds Trinity added: “We recognise the need to be flexible with our resident students with regard to their University accommodation contracts and we are regularly reviewing the situation in line with changes to Government and Public Health England guidance regarding the opening of university campuses for face-to-face delivery.”

The University of Leeds said: “We continue to provide students with face-to-face teaching in instances where it is safe, practicable and is advantageous or necessary to do so. However, where those criteria cannot be met, the University has recommended that teaching is moved online, with academics in our schools making the final decision. We are reviewing this approach regularly and will implement any changes in line with government and public health guidance and requirements. ”

Leeds Beckett University were both contacted for a comment,