UK university issues quarantine warning over coronavirus

The University of Chester has told students traveling to China during the Spring Festival that they may face a quarantine period when they return, due to the coronavirus outbreak that has killed 25 people and infected 830 in the Chinese mainland.

Close to 200,000 Chinese students study in the United Kingdom, and several universities have issued guidelines for those traveling to and from China. With the announcement of a quarantine period, Chester has taken the most drastic action so far.

"The university has notified students currently here, if they return to China for Chinese New Year they will not be re-admitted without a suitable quarantine period," the university said in a statement.

Advocacy group Universities UK, which represents more than 130 British education institutions, said UK universities will "continue to follow the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice and to monitor the situation, which is evolving rapidly".

"Ensuring the safety and welfare of their students is a top priority for universities," the group said in a statement. "UK universities have been monitoring the coronavirus situation as it unfolds and universities with students in affected areas are working to identify appropriate actions."