British universities are ramping up measures to stem an outbreak of coronavirus on their campuses as the Foreign Office warns of infections hitting the UK.
At least seven institutions have confirmed they are taking action after identifying dozens of staff and students who have recently visited the worst-hit areas.
Chester University told its students that they will not be allowed back on campus if they travel to China for Chinese New Year unless they agree to "suitable quarantine period".
Four cities in the East Asian country have gone into lockdown, with 17 deaths and nearly 600 reported cases globally. However, the World Health Organisation said tonight it is "too early" to declare a global health emergency.
Five people in Scotland are being treated for suspected coronavirus, all of whom had been in the southern Chinese city of Wuhan, the city of 11m people where the outbreak began. A sixth person in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is suspected of contracting the illness.
More than 50 Chinese students currently study at Scottish universities as part of formal links with institutions in Hubei province, where the virus has hit.
Five staff at the University of Dundee returned from a visit to Wuhan last week, and 34 students arrived from the virus-hit city in September.
Aberdeen said five staff members have visited the city during the outbreak and returned to Britain three or more weeks ago.
“The remaining member of staff has a non-teaching role and is working from home as a precautionary measure,” the institution said.
Newcastle says it has identified 300 students on campus “connected with the Hubei province in China” and has written to them with health and wellbeing advice.
A spokesperson added: “We have arranged a dedicated health event for any student arriving from China in the last month ensuring they register with a doctor. In line with Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice, the university is advising that staff and students don’t travel to this area.”
Birmingham University said students “from a range of partner universities in Wuhan city” are studying on its campus, but the infection risk is “currently low” and no new students from the area are starting this month.
The Russell Group institution has told students to take “all sensible precautions” if they return to China for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Oxford, Nottingham, Liverpool, Glasgow and Manchester told the Standard they were monitoring the situation and offering health advice to staff and students. Official figures show that 8,000 Chinese students studied at Scottish universities last year.
Meanwhile, the British Council said it has suspended its entire exam operation in Wuhan.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has said the UK is "well prepared" for the virus but is at an "increased likelihood" of becoming affected.
Universities UK said: “UK universities with students in affected areas have been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation as it unfolds and will follow the latest FCO advice.
“We can confirm that this afternoon Universities UK International was in contact with Public Health England to discuss how we can support them in getting communications to our members.”
