Information about the coronavirus

Coronavirus - Staff FAQs

Where can I obtain up-to-date advice and information?

A free NHS helpline (0800 028 2816) has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice. The helpline is open Monday to Friday between 8am and 10pm, Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 5pm.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are:

· a new continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

· a high temperature - this means that you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

Some people will have more serious symptoms, including pneumonia or difficulty breathing, which might require admission to hospital.

What is the treatment for coronavirus?

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for coronavirus. Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while the body fights the illness. It is important that people stay in isolation away from others until they have recovered.

What steps should I take to minimise my chance of catching coronavirus?

You can reduce your risk of catching and spreading coronavirus by following this advice from the NHS:

· Regularly wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds

· Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

· Always wash your hands when you get home or into work

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

· Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

· Avoid close contact with people who are have symptoms of coronavirus

· Only travel on public transport if you need to

What is the University doing to minimise the risk of infection?

The University Leadership Team (ULT) are in regular contact so as to respond to the rapidly changing position. We are working closely with the Scottish Government and monitoring the evolving situation very closely and putting extra measures in place to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff, students and visitors. We are in regular contact with Health Protection Scotland and will continue to follow and act in accordance with their advice.

Measures that have been taken so far include:

Introducing a policy of no international travel
Cancelling all face-to-face teaching with immediate effect with all teaching now delivered online and remotely
All assessment for exams will be conducted online, or delivered in an alternative format
Accelerating plans to enable people to work from home where possible, and avoid all non-essential contact and travel
Moving to a reduced, and then closed catering service, cancelling all events, conferences and room bookings, lifting restrictions on car parking, placing all mail deliveries on hold and closing Engage, our gym facility
Following UK Government’s guidance, closing all of our campuses to students and the public. Colleagues must also remain at home unless attendance has been deemed essential. Any colleague who has a critical need to attend campus requires their access to be authorised in advance by the Director of Finance and Operations. Anyone on campus should continue to follow NHS and government guidance.