Sheffield Uni cancels all global travel ‘with immediate effect’ over coronavirus

Sheffield University has cancelled all international travel for its staff and students “with immediate effect” over the coronavirus crisis.

Vice-chancellor Koen Lamberts announced the drastic measure in an email to all students this evening.

It halts all global field trips and travel for placements, and students on exchange in any other country have been told they can return home without their grades being affected.

It follows Covid-19 cases soaring by their highest daily increase yet to 596 on Thursday, and deaths climbed to 10. Sheffield recorded its third case in 24 hours tonight.

“Following recent developments, the University has taken the decision to postpone or cancel all university-related international travel with immediate effect,” Lamberts wrote.

“For students, this means that: all international field trips are cancelled, all international travel for placements is cancelled, all students already overseas are being advised that they can travel home if they wish with no loss to their studies.

Koen Lamberts’ email to students

“However, this decision should be taken with reference to the local advice from the government where they are based. Students already overseas will be contacted with further information.”

It comes as the government announced tonight that anyone with a cough or fever will have to self-isolate for seven days from tomorrow.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the coronavirus pandemic the “worst public health crisis for a generation” and said families should be ready to “lose loved ones before their time”.

Universities across the UK have cancelled global travel and classes to address the growing chaos caused by the deadly disease.

Durham University has told all its students they can return home as all classes for the remainder of the academic year are moving online.

In his email to students, Lamberts added: “All non-essential overseas travel for postgraduates is cancelled. All international trips must be approved by your Head of Department and signed off by the Faculty Vice-President.

“We are closely following the latest advice and guidance issued by the UK Government, Public Health England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We will continue to take all appropriate and necessary steps, as required by the official advice, to keep our community safe.”