A UNIVERSITY has said it is “monitoring” developments regarding the deadly coronavirus after 14 people in the UK were tested for the disease.

A spokesman for the University of Brighton said it was “taking appropriate steps” to ensure any students or staff travelling to China were aware of Government guidance.

“Clearly the welfare of our students and staff is our highest priority,” he said.

“Like other UK universities we are monitoring the situation closely and are acting in line with advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Public Health England.

“We are currently taking appropriate steps to ensure that any students or staff who are likely to be travelling to China are aware of the latest official advice and guidance.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take action as appropriate.”

The news comes as all 14 people tested for coronavirus in the UK were given the all-clear.

Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty spoke following a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergency committee in Whitehall, chaired by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

All the people tested in the UK had visited Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak originated.

Four out of five patients tested in Scotland were Chinese nationals.

One of those cleared in the UK was Michael Hope, 45, who spent two days in quarantine this week after returning to Newcastle from Wuhan.

Private schools may need to make plans for overseas pupils who are unable or unwilling to return home for upcoming holidays due to the coronavirus outbreak, it has been suggested.

While there is “no immediate cause for concern” the situation needs to be closely monitored, independent school groups have said.

Schools should “err on the side of caution” to minimise risks to staff and students, according to guidance issued by the Girls’ Schools Association.

China sends more pupils to UK fee-paying schools than any other country.