Exeter University cancels Chinese New Year celebrations over coronavirus outbreak

Two people have now been diagnosed in the UK

The University of Exeter has cancelled its Chinese New Year celebrations this weekend as mark of respect to those affected by the coronavirus.

The university has also asked its students to let them know as soon as possible if they have recently travelled to the coronavirus-hit city Wuhan.

Students and staff who develop symptoms may be required to stay indoors with the university saying they can supply food and medical supplies if needed.

A University of Exeter spokesperson said: "We have been discussing the Chinese New Year celebrations with our student community and together we have decided not to go ahead with the events in Exeter this Sunday, February 2.

"We have taken the decision out of respect for the Chinese community locally, nationally and internationally where other celebrations have been cancelled or disrupted with ongoing public concerns about coronavirus.

"We want to thank everyone who has been involved in planning for the event, and especially the Chinese Student Scholars and the Chinese Cultural Society, as well as all those who were scheduled to perform at the event.

"We offer our full support to our Chinese community at this time and continue to work with Public Health England on any communication and information required on coronavirus."

Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: "I fully support the University of Exeter in their decision to suspend Chinese New Year festivities in the city this weekend. It is a sympathetic and responsible approach to this global outbreak.”

Earlier today is was confirmed that two people had become the first in England to test positive for the deadly virus.

It is understood that they travelled to the UK from China in recent days, had been staying at a hotel in Yorkshire, and are now undergoing treatment at the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary.

An outbreak investigation team has been formed to trace anyone who has been in contact with the pair to prevent onward transmission.

A plane carrying 83 Brits from Wuhan has touched down in the UK.

The aircraft landed at Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire this afternoon where passengers will be screened for symptoms of the SARS-like illness.

After several delays, the flight left Wuhan at 9.45am local time on Friday, carrying 83 Britons and 27 non-UK nationals, mostly from EU countries.

On arrival, the British passengers will be taken by bus to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for a quarantine period of 14 days, where they will be housed in an NHS staff accommodation block with access to the internet.

Advice from Public Health England

If you have returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days please follow this guidance even if you do not have symptoms of the virus:

• 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

Public Health England recommend you stay at home for 14 days after arriving from Wuhan. This is a highly precautionary measure to limit the potential spread of infection.

The  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are advising against all travel to Hubei Province. If you’re in this area and able to leave, you should do so as travel is likely to become more difficult. The FCO are also advising against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).

Support from the University

Please let the University know if you have recently travelled to Wuhan by emailing  coronavirusenquiries@exeter.ac.uk. We will support you if you need to stay indoors. For example we can provide you with food or arrange materials to cover missed lectures.

This email is monitored from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. In evenings and weekends contact Estate Patrol on 01392 723999 or if you’re based in Cornwall contact the Security and Night Support team on 01326 253503.

We have established a cross services team to ensure any risks are identified, and to ensure both our students and colleagues can access up to date advice and support. We are continuing to monitor the situation and to liaise with our partners in the city.