Message from the Director of Student and Academic Services: Coronavirus information for all students

24 January 2020

The World Health Organization, Public Health England and international partner organisations are monitoring an outbreak of a new coronavirus originating in Wuhan City, China.

Public Health England is providing up-to-date information on the virus, potential spread and transmission conditions through the following webpages:

• gov.uk/government/news/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-and-avian-flu-advice-for-travel-to-china
• gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus.

We are working directly with students and staff that we know are based in China, have recently travelled, or are planning to travel to China.

Anyone who has recently returned from China should read the following advice: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/490/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-wn-cov-travel-to-wuhan-china

Anyone planning to travel to China should take the following steps:

 

• Check the latest official advice and guidance (at www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus), which will inform you of restricted areas and infection control measures required.
• Ensure good hygiene procedures and avoid unregulated food outlets (including where dead or live animals can be found).
• Ensure you have alternative plans in place if your intended travel arrangements are disrupted.
• Be aware that enhanced health monitoring checks are being conducted by authorities at airports and other key travel hubs. Follow all instructions given and allow plenty of time for travel.

If you are concerned about relatives who are currently in China, Queen Mary Student Health have issued advice at https://www.studenthealth.qmul.ac.uk/news/2020-01/coronavirus-outbreak-china-wuhan-city-advice

Kind regards,

Sarah Cowls

Director of Student and Academic Services