For information and advice, please read our SARS - questions and answers page.
The health and welfare of its students, staff and visitors is a major priority for the University. It therefore responded carefully and speedily to concerns about SARS. In line with national and local advice, the University sees its principal role as making sure students, staff and visitors have ready access to reliable, up-to-date information. It continues to monitor the situation.
A particular concern for staff and students has been whether there should be any special arrangements for people returning from SARS-affected areas*, and whether they pose a risk to others. The advice to universities from the Avon Health Protection Unit is that if they are symptom-free, students and staff returning from these areas are not considered to be a risk to others. Thus:
The signs and symptoms of the illness are:
and one or more of the following respiratory symptoms:
and one or more of the following:
If you develop a fever and any of the other symptoms listed above, it is important that you contact the Students' Health Service (by telephone – +44 (0)117 973 7716) or a GP, giving a history of your travel and your symptoms so that it can be established whether you fit the criteria of a suspected case of SARS. You will then be given guidance on what to do.
If you have been in one of the affected areas recently and were in close contact with someone confirmed as suffering from SARS, please contact the Students' Health Service on the above number before returning to the University.
*As at 6 July, no areas are judged as 'affected'.
According to the latest British Council information, there is no evidence of widespread impact on students in schools, colleges and universities in affected areas, although it is possible that some exam results may be delayed.
The websites listed below offer updates on the current situation and give travel advice. Members of staff who are planning overseas visits on University business must follow the Government advice available via these websites.
Dr Tony Butler
Director, Students' Health Service