Coronavirus: Preparedness Updates and FAQs

Based on current evidence, typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long‐term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses.

Contact NHS 111 to inform them of your symptoms and seek further advice.

If you are residing in Duchy House, please contact: 07719 305771 or Duchy.Helpdesk@courtauld.ac.uk

If you have returned from these specific areas in the last 14 days:

• Wuhan city and Hubei Province;
• Iran;
• Daegu or Cheongdo (Republic of Korea)
• Any Italian town under containment measures

You should call NHS111 and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms.

If you have returned from these areas in the last 14 days:

• Cambodia
• China
• Hong Kong
• Northern Italy
• Japan
• Laos
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Republic of Korea
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

And are experiencing symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, you should immediately stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with other flu viruses for a period of 14 days after your return. Contact NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area.

We recommend that all students and staff follow FCO guidelines.

The FCO is currently advising against all travel to Hubei Province, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. The FCO is also advising:

• against all travel to the city of Daegu and all but essential travel to the city Cheongdo, in South Korea
• against all but essential travel to 10 small towns in the Lombardy region and 1 in the Veneto region of Italy.

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work.
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Current Public Health England advice does not stipulate that you should wear a facemask. Whether you choose to do so is a matter of personal choice.

The Courtauld has recently participated in the University of London’s forum on preparation to deal with the virus.

We are displaying Public Health England coronavirus information across our Vernon Square and Somerset House campuses.  We have reviewed our cleaning methods and are providing hand sanitiser and screen wipes at both buildings.

The Courtauld is closely following UK government and Public Health England (PHE) guidance and we will be communicating regularly with our staff and students.

If your question relates to the coronavirus, please contact Anthony Tyrell at: Anthony.Tyrrell@courtauld.ac.uk or phone 020 3947 7593.

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Please email DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk or phone 0800 046 8687. The helpline is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.