We are working with health authorities and following their advice.
Coronaviruses are a large and diverse family of viruses that include the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Early in January 2020 Chinese officials identified a new coronavirus or 2019-nCoV.
The University has robust and up-to-date procedures in place to manage events of this type, and our response can be scaled up as necessary. We are working with Wellington University International, our Accommodation Service, and other areas of the University to ensure full information and pastoral care is provided to new and returning students as well as staff on how to manage any flu-like illness in our community.
Wellington University International is in touch with current students in China to offer information and pastoral care. We will work with students on a case by case basis if they are facing any academic impact.
Student Health and Counselling (Mauri Ora) is coordinating the medical response across the University as well as being in close contact with external public health agencies. At this point it is an evolving scenario and updates will be provided on the website and through social media.
The Ministry of Health has detailed health information here.
Important health advice
- Staff who are unwell after having travelled overseas should phone their GP Practice for advice
- Students who are unwell having travelled overseas should phone Student Health or their GP Practice for advice
- Follow best practices with hand washing and personal hygiene
Travel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising New Zealanders to avoid non-essential travel to Hubei Province.
Useful information for those travelling to New Zealand can be found here.