Text: International Staff Unit and AAU Communication
Photo: Danish Health Authority

The International Staff Unit (ISU) at Aalborg University (AAU) has received several enquiries regarding the corona virus (2019-nCoV), in which many express concerns about the possible risk of infection at Aalborg University (AAU).

AAU follows the national guidelines in relation to the risk assessment of the corona virus (2019-nCoV) in Denmark and at ISU, we are following the guidelines set by the Danish authorities closely. The Danish Health Authority (SST), the Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS) and the State Serum Institute (SSI) are following any developments in the outbreak of the corona virus closely, while in ongoing contact with Danish and foreign authorities, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

At present, the Danish authorities view that there is a very limited risk of the corona virus spreading within Denmark. The Danish authorities do not in general recommend quarantine of travellers returning from China to Denmark. Quarantine and similar measures will only been taken in cases where the risk of infection, after an individual assessment, is found to be high. The risk of being exposed to the virus while travelling in China is very small, and therefore there is little risk of transmitting the virus to others. Based on this, the university sees no reason to take further action at this time.

However, all travellers are well advised to take due care and to be aware if they develop symptoms such as coughing, fever and shortness of breath within 14 days of returning from their travels.

Furthermore, the following precautions may be considered:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with water and soap. Use hand sanitizer if possible.
• Avoid close contact with people showing respiratory symptoms (coughing, expectorations)
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, or alternatively into your elbow (upper sleeve)

Moreover, as a precaution, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised against all non-essential travel to China. Moreover, the ministry urges that travellers in China adhere to the restrictions set by the Chinese authorities.

For more information, please see:

Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) (information in Danish)

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (information in Danish)

A poster from the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) presents the main information about how to act after travelling in China. The poster is in Danish, English and Chinese. Find the poster here