CLASSES at Reading University have been cancelled amid the escalating coroanvirus outbreak.

The university tweeted out a statement this evening to confirm all face-to-face classes will cease and teaching will be provided online only.

It said: "The coronavirus outbreak is unprecedented for our university community.

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"We have been listening to the concerns of students and colleagues and completely understand how worried many of you are for yourselves and your family and friends.~2

It added after a meeting between senior staff today the team had agreed that the face-to-face lessons will be stopped from Wednesday, March 18.

Adding: "If you are concerned, we understand if you wish to return to your home, whether in the UK or overseas.

"Our primary concern remains the safety and health of our community, in all the uncertainties we are all having to navigate."

The university also said there will be an update for students by March 23 regarding the summer term and exams.