This page provides you with information about the Wuhan coronavirus infection. We would like to reassure all students and staff that we are closely monitoring the situation.
Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. This permits the government to plan for all eventualities. The risk to individuals in the UK has not changed at this stage.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Hubei Province, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).
Based on this advice, we have made the decision to suspend all staff and student travel to China. If you have returned from anywhere in Hubei province, including Wuhan, within the last 14 days, please contact your College so we can provide you with guidance and pastoral support.
Public Health England (PHE) is asking people to take simple, common-sense steps to avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, like you would with other flu viruses. This advice is highly precautionary and is intended to limit the potential spread of infection.
If you have returned from anywhere in Hubei province, including Wuhan, within the last 14 days:
Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses
Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the city
If you have recently travelled to China
If you have developed a fever, cough or breathlessness within 14 days of returning from travel to China:
You should seek medical attention in the usual way via NHS 111 or your GP
Before you visit any doctor or hospital you must telephone before you visit and let them know that you have had recent travel to China as they may need to make special arrangements to assess you
If you attend A&E or any other hospital department, you must tell the staff as soon as you arrive that you have recently travelled to China
If you are well and have recently returned from China you do not need to take any action.
Precautionary measures
PHE advises: “Everyone with coughs or colds should always cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw used tissues away and then wash your hands with soap and water to help prevent the spread of infection.”
If you are concerned about yourself or a fellow student, please contact your doctor or visit the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public for more information and advice
