From: the Office of Dr Hugh Horton, Vice Provost & Executive Director, BISC

Bader International Study Centre Queen’s University Herstmonceux Castle Hailsham East Sussex BN7 1RN

27 February 2020

From: The Office of Dr Hugh Horton, Vice Provost & Executive Director, BISC

To: All students, staff and faculty at the BISC

A statement regarding the recent outbreak of Covid-19 Coronavirus:

Many of you will have seen in the news that the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) has had an outbreak in northern Italy. A number of the members of the BISC community have travelled in this area during the past week. I would ask that those who travelled to Milan and/or Venice, or to communities in the vicinity of those cities pay special attention to the rest of this message.

The UK health authorities have provided updated advice regarding COVID-19 for those who have travelled to northern Italy. I ask that you read this advice, found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#advice-for- travellers

Many symptoms of the virus are similar to seasonal influenza. If you are experiencing:

• fever • cough • difficulty breathing -- AND -- have travelled to northern Italy in the 14 days before the start of illness -- OR -- have had close contact with a person with an acute respiratory illness who has been to northern Italy within 14 days prior to the onset of their illness -- OR-- have had close contact with a case of Coronavirus COVID-19

Please do the following:

• immediately self-isolate and seek medical attention.

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Furthermore, if anyone has travelled to the towns and rural areas that have now been locked down by the Italian authorities they should self-isolate regardless of whether they are showing symptoms or not. If anyone at BISC visited one of those areas (Codogno, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo, San Fiorano or Vo’ Euganeo) they should contact a member of the student services team immediately, so we can get you prompt medical advice and support and assist if self-isolation is required.

I want to emphasize that the advice of the health authorities is that the risk remains low, and that this information is being distributed as a precaution.

Sincerely,

Dr Hugh Horton

Vice Provost & Executive Director

Bader International Study Centre