Statement - Thursday 30 January 2020

The University strongly advises all staff and students against non-essential travel to China (including the S.A.R. Hong Kong) until further notice - which we will keep under review.

We have made this decision based on the latest advice from the FCO as well as advice from our own staff office in China, and in light of notification from institutional partners in China that they will be extending the New Year holiday and so are likely to be closed until further notice.

The Chinese government continue to impose further restrictions on movement within China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. 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. The FCO advise that “If you feel that you may want to leave China soon, you should consider making plans to do so before any further restrictions may be imposed.”

If you are currently in China and are waiting for a partner institution to re-open, additional guidance is available via our frequently asked questions.

There is also information on our frequently asked questions about changing travel arrangements if you are in or about to go to China (including the S.A.R Hong Kong).

Latest advice for travellers who have visited Wuhan or Hubei from Public Health England (PHE)

If you have returned from Wuhan or Hubei in the last 14 days PHE advises:

  • 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 need to be absent from your studies for a short period due to clinical advice then you should notify your school in the first instance and contact our support team on: ss-feedback@contacts.bham.ac.uk. We can then offer advice and support while you are in isolation.  Please do not worry about being absent from your studies for this short period.

This is an evolving situation and the advice has changed based on emerging information from China about the number of cases and spread of the infection from person to person. While the risk to the UK population remains low, this is a highly precautionary measure to limit the potential spread of infection.

Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus but have recently visited Wuhan / Hubei province within the last 14 days.  

More detailed information can be found on Gov.UK

Specific advice and guidance for staff and students in Dubai

The above advice is applicable to staff and students currently in Dubai, however further advice is also available from the Dubai Health Authority here. Staff and students in Dubai can also contact the Wellbeing team at dubaiwellbeing@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

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