On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization announced a state of emergency for public health of international significance in connection with the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV epidemic.

With reference to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the University of Warsaw recommends:

  • cancellation of individual and group trips of employees, doctoral students and students to China;
  • addressing Chinese UW partners with a suggestion to postpone the visits of delegations from Chinese institutions until the World Health Organization cancels the state of public health emergency.

At the same time, we remind you of the recommendations of the World Health Organization on the prevention of coronavirus infections (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public).

WHO experts recommend:

  • “Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
  • When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
  • When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
  • The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.”

According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, people who have recently been to China or in contact with such persons and who have alarming symptoms (temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, coughing, shortness of breath) should report to hospital wards of infectious diseases. Detailed information on symptoms and a list of hospital units is available at: https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/byles-w-chinach-i-zle-sie-czujesz-sprawdz-co-robic.

Central administration units of the University of Warsaw are in direct contact with Chinese  universities and are monitoring the development of the situation.

We remind members of our community who would like to use psychological support in connection with the coronavirus epidemic that the University of Warsaw Psychological Counselling Center offers such services, including “Walk-in clinic” (http://cpp.uw.edu.pl/walk-in-clinic/).

Current reports on the situation related to the threat of 2019-nCoV coronavirus can be found at:

  • the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate,
  • the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
  • the Ministry of Health,
  • World Health Organization,
  • European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.