University of Limerick is closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China and is taking proactive steps to safeguard the wellbeing of its community.
As such, the decision has been taken to suspend all University-related travel by all staff and students to and from China.
UL does not currently have any students studying or on placement in China.
Staff who are expecting visitors to the campus from China should indicate to them not to travel at this time.
While the risk is currently low, our highest priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our community and therefore we ask that people follow the advice below:
- Any student that has travelled from China to UL in the last 14 days is now asked to notify the Student Medical Centre at UL by phone on 061-202534
- Any staff member that has travelled from China to UL in the last 14 days is now asked to contact their GP or a public health clinic
Staff and students have been sent advice that has been provided by the Department of Public Health and the HSE, which is listed below.
The situation is an emerging, rapidly evolving one and we may be required to contact you with updated advice in due course.
Coronaviruses
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illnesses. Some of these illnesses are very mild, like the common cold, while others are more severe, like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
A “novel coronavirus” means a new strain of coronavirus that has never been seen in humans before. The coronavirus recently identified in China is one of these. This new coronavirus is being named “2019–nCoV”.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
It can take up to 14 days for the symptoms of this 2019-nCoV to appear. These symptoms include:
• Fever (temperature of 38˚C or higher)
• Cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
Treatment of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
There is no specific treatment for 2019-nCoV at present. But the symptoms of the virus can be treated.
What to do if you think you might have novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
If you have travelled from China in the last 14 days, particularly from Wuhan, and you have any of the symptoms listed above, stay at home and do not go to college.
For students: phone the Student Medical Centre on 061-202534. Make sure that, when you phone, you mention your recent travel. The Student Medical Centre will arrange for you to get medical help.
For staff: phone your GP / Local Public Health Centre. Make sure that, when you phone, you mention your recent travel. The GP / Local Public Health Centre will arrange for you to get medical help.
How to protect yourself from novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
2. If you are coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the used tissue away into a closed bin, and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your flexed (bent) elbow.
3. Avoid close contact with anyone who you know has cold or flu symptoms.
4. In the short term, do not to travel to China until more is known about this new virus.