Coronavirus advice for Queen Mary University of London staff and students
As of 31 January, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all travel to Hubei Province, and now advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). Some airlines, including British Airways, have suspended flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder over the coming weeks for those who wish to leave China to do so.
Enhanced monitoring will also be in place for all direct flights from Wuhan to the UK, as well as a number of measures that will help provide advice to travellers if they feel unwell.
Public Health England has confirmed two patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus. Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, has shared a statement. If more cases are confirmed in the UK, it will be announced as soon as possible by the Chief Medical Officer of the affected country.
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.
PHE has advised anyone who has returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days, regardless of whether they have symptoms, to:
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses
- Call NHS 111 and inform them of your recent travel to the city.
Queen Mary is taking all appropriate measures, taking into account guidance from UK government and other agencies. For instance, for the time being, no staff or students are leaving for China for work or study purposes.
For all our students and staff, in line with the FCO's advice, we ask you to follow these basic hygiene rules to protect your own health and that of others:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Maintain good personal hygiene
- Seek medical attention if you develop problems with breathing within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China, or on return to the UK (please call our GP or the health service before you intend to visit and explain your recent travel to the city)
In addition, FCO advice for anyone in China is to:
- Avoid visiting animal and bird markets
- Avoid people who are ill with breathing problems
- Follow health advice provided by the relevant Chinese authorities
