Statement - Friday 24 January 2020

The University is aware of the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus originating in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, with cases confirmed in other parts of China.

As is consistent with the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice, we are advising all staff and students against all but essential travel to Wuhan city, Hubei Province.

Public Health England has offered advice to travellers, and additional health screening measures may be in place for anyone choosing to travel.

Students from a range of partner universities in Wuhan City are currently studying in Birmingham and will have travelled to the University many months ago to commence or continue their studies and the risk of any infection in the UK is currently low. There are no new students starting at the University in January 2020 from the affected regions.

We recognise that students and staff members may be traveling independently, particularly at the time of the Lunar New Year festival – and we would urge you to take all sensible precautions. Travel from the affected regions into the UK is now subject to additional health checks and screening at UK borders.  Students and staff experiencing persistent symptoms (similar to those of a common cold, including fever, dry cough, sore throat, problems breathing, shortness of breath, headache and body aches) should seek medical care.

If you are an international student, access medical care is normally through your local doctor – also called a GP. You need to register in advance by visiting the doctor's surgery and completing some simple forms. In an emergency you should go straight to the Accident and Emergency department at a hospital.  

If, having read the advice and guidance on the above webpages, you are feeling concerned please contact your GP or the University’s Wellbeing Support Services.