UK Latest government advice on avoiding the deadly virus .What should students at the University of York do?

Latest government advice on avoiding the deadly virus:

Transport

You should not use public transport or taxis until 14 days after your return from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or elsewhere in China if you have symptoms).

Getting food and medicine 

We recommend that you stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or elsewhere in China if you have symptoms), and avoid public places. Where possible, contact a friend, family member or delivery services to carry out errands on your behalf.

Taking children to school

We recommend that you stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan or Hubei Province (or elsewhere in China if you have symptoms), and avoid public places. Where possible, contact a friend or family member to take your children to school.

Why the advice has changed

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.

This is a highly precautionary measure to limit the potential spread of infection.

If you develop symptoms and have returned from mainland China 

If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should continue to follow the advice above. Please do not leave your home and call NHS 111 immediately. 

University coronavirus email to York students

Dear student,

You may have heard through media reports that two cases of coronavirus have been identified in York.

Public Health England (PHE) has now confirmed that one of the two individuals to have tested positive for coronavirus is a student at the University of York. 

We recognise that this will cause concern to our community.

We want to reassure you that PHE has advised us that the risk of infection being passed to others on campus is extremely low. 

Current information from PHE suggests that the student did not come into contact with anybody on campus whilst they had symptoms, but investigations are ongoing to fully establish this.

Additional information and any updates, as they are made available from PHE or any other health service, will be posted on our coronavirus updates webpage here: https://www.york.ac.uk/alert/. 

This web page also contains a set of FAQs regarding coronavirus and you are advised to check this page if you have any queries.

We are working closely with NHS services and Public Health England who are taking the lead in responding to the case and we will take direction from them in all aspects of this situation.

Yours sincerely

Heidi Fraser-Krauss Deputy Registrar and Director of Corporate and Information Services 

What should students at the University of York do? 

A student at the University of York has tested positive for coronavirus - so what is their advice to students?

The University said it has been advised by Public Health England (PHE) that the risk of infection on campus is low, because it is not thought the student came into contact with anyone there while they had symptoms.

But, recognising the 'concern and anxiety' the news will cause, the university has set up a special helpline.

Anyone with concern about their health in relation to coronavirus is advised to follow current advice from the PHE and call the NHS non-emergency line on 111.

The university said it continues to operate normally while monitoring the situation closely.

A spokesman said: 'We understand this development will cause concern and anxiety among our students, staff, and the wider community.

'PHE has advised us that the risk of infection being passed to others on campus is low.

'Current information from PHE suggests that the student did not come into contact with anybody on campus whilst they had symptoms, but investigations are ongoing to fully establish this.

'Our immediate concerns are for the affected student and family, along with the health and continued wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors.

'We are working closely with NHS services and Public Health England who are taking the lead in responding to the case. '

Concerned students can call the special helpline this weekend on 01904 809571.