Coronavirus (Covid-19): advice for Goldsmiths students and staff
This page is intended to give advice to Goldsmiths students and staff about Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Primary page content
The is a summary of the advice from the UK Government and NHS. See GOV.UK for the latest information.
Advice for people in the UK
The following is taken from the NHS website:
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. But they say the risk to individuals remains low.
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.
If you are concerned you have been in close contact with someone with coronavirus call the NHS on 111 for advice. Do not go to a GP surgery or hospital.
Stopping the spread of germs
The NHS has issued the following advice on the best way to slow the spread of almost any germs, including Coronavirus.
Do:
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin straight away
- wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don't:
- touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
International students and staff
The government have issued guidance on immigration provisions made by the Home Office for individuals in the UK who are unable to return to China.
The guidance says: "Due to travel restrictions because of coronavirus some individuals may be facing uncertainty in relation to the expiry date of their current visa or leave to remain in the United Kingdom. The Home Office understands that in many cases this is because of circumstances outside of your control.
"Most people in the UK whose immigration status is affected by the coronavirus outbreak will get an automatic extension of their visa until 31 March 2020."
They have said sponsors do not need to report student or employee absences related to coronavirus which they have authorised.
Full information is on GOV.UK including details of a coronavirus immigration helpline.
If you have arrived from the following in the last 14 days:
Wuhan or Hubei Province in China
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
- Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area
- Do not go to a GP surgery or hospital
Other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong
If you have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild):
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
- Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area
- Do not go to a GP surgery or hospital
Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia
If you have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild):
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
- Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area
- Do not go to a GP surgery or hospital
Travelling abroad for work or study
See the FCO travel advice page for coronavirus.
Contact insurance (@gold.ac.uk) to ensure you a covered by Goldsmiths travel insurance.
Student support
If you have any concerns regarding your wellbeing, then Wellbeing Advisors and Campus Support Officers are available.
If you are concerned about the coronavirus outbreak please call the NHS on 111.
Staff support
If you have any questions about this issue please speak to your line manager.
If you are due to travel to China on Goldsmiths business please contact insurance (@gold.ac.uk).
If you are experiencing wellbeing difficulties as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, information about Wellbeing support available for staff can be found on Goldmine.
Page last updated: 18 February 2020