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The University of Reading's Policy on SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) – University of Reading

Reviewed: 14/07/2003 In the light of the serious nature of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), the University has taken advice from the Director of the University Medical Practice (Dr Peter Johnson) who has been in consultation with the local Consultant in Communicable Disease Control. The University believes that, following this advice, the best approach in the light of the current UK experience on SARS is its communication programme, to ensure that all staff and students are fully aware of the SARS situation. It is important to keep the risk in proportion: at the date of writing, the number of "probable" cases of SARS in the UK (as reported to the Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre) has been revised to 4, with all cases now recovered. Extensive communications about SARS have been carried out to University staff and students. The symptoms of SARS are described and anyone who is concerned that they may be suffering from SARS is asked to telephone their doctor for advice and reduce their contact with others by staying in their room if possible. The University is following current UK policy and specific advice to educational institutions with large numbers of overseas students, issued by the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS). In particular, the PHLS states that: "If they are symptom free, students returning from SARS affected areas are not a risk to others. Students who are well should be allowed to continue their schooling as normal." Thus the University has taken no special measures with regard to students returning from affected areas. We believe that all sensible precautions are being undertaken and will continue to monitor the situation daily, taking account of national advice, and will update staff and students if any changes are needed. The following further sources of information may be useful: