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Coronavirus (COVID-19) update 7 February 2020

Posted on 7 February 2020

Updates on Coronavirus, 10.30am and 7pm

3pm

University open and operating as normal

We understand that staff and students are justifiably concerned about the coronavirus. We want to reassure you again that the risk is low and remind staff and students that the University is operating as normal.

Change in guidance for travellers

The UK Chief Medical Officers are now advising anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing cough or fever or shortness of breath, to stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if symptoms are mild.

If this applies to you, please follow the advice and email student-hub@york.ac.uk to let them know.

Patient confidentiality and respect

Please remember, the student diagnosed with coronavirus has the right to confidentiality. We would also like to remind all staff and students that the University is a community of respect and that any act of abuse or hate speech is unacceptable and should be reported to the University or the local police.

General advice

Even though the risk of further infection is low, it makes sense to practice good hygiene:

  • Frequently clean your hands by using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing
  • Bin the tissue immediately and wash your hands
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough

10.30am

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice

The FCO is currently advising against all travel to Hubei Province, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so. See the latest travel advice for China.