By Oliver Taylor
De Montfort University is closing its campus at 3pm today (March 24) following Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement last night.
Bede House will remain open until 5pm today to facilitate students needing to use the loan laptop scheme.
The Library in Eric Wood building and Riverside Café had planned closures for a later date, but these closures are being brought forward to today. Essential services will remain open during the closure.
Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Collop told students via email: “I want to express my sincere thanks for the way that you have all responded to this crisis and the patience and understanding that you have all shown in transitioning to a new way of studying and learning.
“None of us have experienced anything remotely close to this before so we really are in uncharted territory.
“At this time, the most important thing is that we all closely follow Government advice to stop the virus spreading so that our loved ones and the wider community remain safe and well.
“Finally, I would like to say a big thanks for the way all of you have adapted so quickly to such a profound change to the way you study and live your lives.
“I am incredibly proud of the way our students are playing their part in the national drive to protect public health.
“Please do all you can to stay safe and well until we are able to return to normality.”
The university has also set up a closed Facebook group. This will allow students to remain up to date with the latest announcements and guidelines, as well as talk to one other about who is still at DMU, sharing experiences and tips for dealing with the situation.
The link to the Facebook group can be found here.
