The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has reopened and teaching has recommenced online following a small number of Covid-19 cases.

A recent rise in Covid-19 has affected many universities and organisations across China and saw local health authorities temporarily close the campus to minimise the spread of the virus.

The UNNC Management Board, led by UNNC Provost Professor Nick Miles, has worked closely with the regional health authorities who have instigated daily PCR testing and quarantine arrangements which are part of the legal requirements for managing Covid-19 in China.

This process, coupled with staff working 24/7 to realise the university’s campus contingency plan, has ensured infections have remained at a very low number among UNNC’s population of staff and students.

As no further cases have been identified for eight consecutive days the campus has reopened for a period of cleaning and recovery. The majority of students have returned from central quarantine either to their homes or campus and catering outlets have been able to reopen with dine-in options.

Teaching has resumed online and will remain so until the end of the semester. In-person teaching and activities are expected to resume on campus after Chinese New Year for the start of the next semester.

Staff and students are being supported and their safety and wellbeing is paramount. Should colleagues receive enquiries from staff or students in China, they should be directed to the dedicated contact points set up by UNNC to raise concerns:

• Students: student2020@nottingham.edu.cn
• Staff: staff2020@nottingham.edu.cn
• Parents: parents2020@nottingham.edu.cn

UNNC Provost Professor Nick Miles once again thanked staff for their hard work and students for their patience in observing the testing and quarantine arrangements implemented by the health authorities:

“UNNC staff have continued to place the priority on the welfare of students and staff, ensuring their health and safety, and that their basic needs are met.

“It has been a huge team effort to get the campus reopened and I am delighted that we have been able to resume teaching and learning so quickly.

I remain incredibly grateful for the way our community has conducted itself during this challenging time and continues to adhere to the measures the health authorities have put in place.

“We will continue to keep all students and staff at UNNC posted as the situation progresses.”