Dear Peking University international faculty and staff,

Re: Coronavirus outbreak and delay of the spring 2020 semester start date

As you are aware, China is now dealing with a public health emergency caused by the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus. Peking University (PKU) is participating in a nationwide effort to contain the spread of the virus and provide medical support to all those in China who are in need. We stand together with the Chinese people, and we stand together as members of this university community in our combined endeavor to protect the health of all who live in China. We are particularly concerned about your health and well-being and want you to know that we are ready to offer help and assistance to any of you who may require it.

In view of this unexpected and still evolving situation, we hope you will all take good care of yourselves. Please keep in mind that your health and safety is a priority for you and for us too, and this is the first step we should all take in order to be a part of our joint effort to confront this challenge. We will keep everyone informed about the latest developments in China and on our campus, and appreciate your kind cooperation in the following two aspects.

First, we urge all PKU international faculty and staff to strictly follow the instructions issued by the University regarding the current coronavirus emergency. PKU has decided to postpone the opening of the Spring semester. This is a critical and integral step to enforce the quarantine against the virus. Although we regret the disruption and inconvenience this may cause, we must nevertheless request that scholars who are now staying with your families and friends in and outside of China, please adjust your travel plans, spend a little more time with your loved ones and wait for our notification for the start of the Spring semester.

Those of you who are currently traveling within China or neighboring areas and have to return to Beijing, we suggest that after returning to Beijing, you should remain at home for 14 days as a self-quarantine, and inform us before you return to Beijing.

Second, we urge all of our faculty and staff now in China to strictly follow the instructions issued by the government and its health authorities. Please be conscientious in taking all necessary steps for personal protection purposes: avoiding large crowds of people, wearing a mask properly and washing your hands frequently. If you suffer from symptoms such as cough, fever, etc., please notify us and seek medical assistance immediately.

The Central Government, Beijing City, and Peking University are all treating prevention and control of the coronavirus outbreak as a matter of top priority. For the time being, please be calm and reassured, because we have strong and effective mechanisms and means at every institutional level to handle the current crisis and to handle it well. If you need us, do not hesitate to contact our staff, and we will be there for you. There is no need for undue alarm, but just take common sense precautions and observe public health directives. Please keep in contact with us, so that we can alert you to any new developments in a timely and expeditious way.

To apprise us of your plans or to request assistance, please contact Ms. YU Haiyue, email address:yuhaiyue@pku.eduor telephone +86-185-1505-9390. It is of utmost importance that we can keep in touch with you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Best regards,

PKU Office of International Relations