ALL classes will be taught online for University of Worcester students from tomorrow (Friday) due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Students received an email yesterday explaining that “after much careful consideration and discussion, the university has decided to move to full online teaching from this Friday, up until the end of Easter in the first instance.”

This comes after a second year screenwriting student accused the University of Worcester, on Facebook, of failing to protect its students during the virus pandemic.

Omar Blake-Dafaalla, 25, took to Facebook to urge his fellow students to email the people in power at the university demanding their concerns be taken seriously.

On hearing the news that the university will move to online teaching, Mr Blake-Dafaalla said: “I’m certain the petitions, emails and student response played a part in it, but I do trust that the university also believes this is the right decision. I’m very happy. I’m proud of the student body for getting involved and making the change. I know many of us felt abandoned by our government, and didn’t want to think our university was doing the same. I’m very grateful that David Green has made this decision."

A spokesman for the University of Worcester said: “The health and wellbeing of students and staff is the number one priority for the University.

“The University has been following the advice of Public Health England and the UK Government on all matters concerned with Covid-19. This has included many practical initiatives to further extend the already excellent standard of cleaning at the University and, more recently, to introduce practical social distancing measures.

“The University’s leadership team has met regularly and ensured that the University is ready to move classroom teaching and learning online. This will happen from Friday, March 20.

“The University campus will remain open for students living in halls of residence, though we are asking people to refrain from group gatherings. Key services including IT, study and library facilities will all be open.

“A number of planned events, including the Open Day on March 28, have been moved online or cancelled. A Virtual Open Day is now available on our website.

“The University continues to work particularly closely with our partners in the NHS and placements for student nurses, midwives and other key personnel are continuing. Students who are nearing the completion of their course will soon be able to take their place in the ranks of the NHS health workforce upon whom we all depend.

“We are very proud of our health graduates and our students who are making such an invaluable contribution to society at this difficult and challenging time for us all.