We have been supporting all our students and staff who might be concerned about their health with up-to-date advice from Government health services and our own student services.

Although the virus has now been detected in other parts of the world, we know that China has been especially affected, and that this has been a worrying time for our Chinese students, their families and friends.

Our university has a strong and proud history of welcoming Chinese students and staff to the UK, and indeed students from across South East Asia. They are very much part of our international community.

As a University and a community, we do not tolerate racism in any form, and we encourage students and staff to report any incident of racial harassment and seek support from us.

If any student or member of staff experiences an incident of prejudice or harassment connected with Coronavirus, or with anything else, we ask them to use our Report and Support service to report incidents anonymously or contact the police.

Students may also wish to contact Nilaari, a culturally appropriate counselling service based in Bristol, which helps to support our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students.

We know that for some international students the wearing of face masks is common practice as a precaution. This is not an indication of infection and our students should not be treated adversely as a result of their personal choice.  

We understand that students and staff may be worried about friends and family members in China and around the world and our thoughts go to all those affected by this situation.

At this difficult time, we ask that students and staff support their fellow friends and colleagues in solidarity. We are one international community.

Professor Sarah Purdy

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience