Novel Coronavirus
CBBC expresses sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak in China. We also remember in our thoughts Chinese friends who are currently suffering illness or uncertainty.
We strongly encourage prospective business visitors to consult the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s latest Travel Advice for China (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china) before entering China. At the time of writing the FCO are advising against all travel to Wuhan and all but essential travel to other parts of China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). British Airways and a number of other international airlines have suspended flights in and out of China.
In order to protect our staff, members and clients, CBBC has taken the decision to postpone the re-opening of our China offices following the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) break until 9 February 2020 at the earliest. We are monitoring announcements by relevant authorities in China closely and will keep this policy under review as the situation develops.
In the interests of providing you with a timely service, we ask that until further notice you address new enquiries to our team in the UK rather than to colleagues in our China offices. CBBC staff in the UK continue to work as normal.
For visitors to our UK offices and guests at our events in the UK, we respectfully draw your attention to the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s advice that anyone who has returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people.
Our close partner organisation the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK) has launched a Fund for donations for the purchase and delivery of medical supplies to Wuhan. CCCUK is also working with STO Express UK Ltd to coordinate the collection and delivery of donated medical supplies from six centres across the UK (London, Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham, Sheffield and Newcastle). CCCUK have pledged that all funds donated will be managed in a legal and compliant manner. Further details are available by contacting: info@chinachamber.org.uk
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to a resumption of normal service as soon as circumstances allow.