ABERYSTWYTH University has suspended face-to-face teaching following two confirmed cases of Covid-19 on campus.

Students returned to the Ceredigion university this week in the county which has largely avoided the worst of the coronavirus impact with some of the lowest infection rates in the country.

A combination of online and face-to-face lectures were due to begin at the University today (Monday) but education chiefs took the decision to suspend lectures after two students tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday – the first confirmed cases in the student community.

In a statement released on Sunday, Aberystwyth University said: “We are working with Ceredigion County Council who are undertaking contact tracing, following two confirmed cases of Covid-19.

“Both individuals have connections to the university. We are working to support the individuals who have received positive test results, and any other relevant connected individuals who are now required to self-isolate.

“We are continuing to emphasise to all our staff and students the importance of social distancing and following all the relevant guidance in order to reduce the potential for transmission.

“In addition, guidance has been issued to students and staff on steps they should take should they develop Covid-19 symptoms.”

Similarly, emails went out to all students, saying: “Following further discussions this evening (September 27) with local partners regarding the increased risk of Covid-19 transmission, we have taken the decision to suspend face-to-face learning temporarily.

“This has been a difficult call which is partly linked to the uncertainty of how far the virus has spread in our community.

“This weekend we have had the first confirmed cases in our student community.

“We will be making further assessments of how to proceed with our plans to teach in person as further information is available to us.”

Aberystwyth was one of the first universities in the UK to close to students in March as the pandemic took hold in Wales and cases began to spread.

The university had already closed the sports centre and art centre for all non-Aberystwyth students. All dance classes at the arts centre will be available online.

Four new cases of the virus were recorded in Ceredigion by Public Health Wales on Sunday, taking the total to 102.

Ceredigion, along with neighbouring Powys, continues to have the lowest incidence of coronavirus in Wales.