Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Check the latest health advice before travelling, in the light of the on-going cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Public Health England (PHE) and National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) are reminding people planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to check the latest health advice before making the journey as further advice has been issued in the light of the on-going cases of Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
The Hajj is the largest annual international gathering with more than three million Muslims travelling from around the world to make the pilgrimage including thousands from the UK. This year Hajj is estimated to fall between 13 and 15 October 2013.
Although the World Health Organization does not currently advise any travel restrictions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in relation to MERS-CoV, in addition to the usual health recommendations that are required for pilgrims, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has recommended that the following groups postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umrah this year for their own safety:
  • the elderly (over 65 years of age)
  • those with chronic diseases (such as heart, kidney or respiratory disease, diabetes), immune deficiency, cancer and terminal illnesses)
  • pregnant women and children under 12 years of age
Dr Brian McCloskey, director of global health at PHE, said
A large population from around the world confined to one area has historically increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, in particular meningitis and respiratory infections, which is why getting the relevant travel advice and vaccinations in advance of your departure is so important.
Dr Dipti Patel, joint director of NaTHNaC, said:
Although there have only been a relatively small number of confirmedMERS-CoV cases worldwide, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has advised vulnerable people and children who may have been planning to travel to the Middle East to perform the Hajj or Umrah to postpone their pilgrimage.
Other people should continue with their plans but follow the specific guidance on the Hajj and Umrah, and other general advice about staying safe and healthy when travelling.

Notes

  1. There are no travel restrictions to the Middle East and the risk to travellers remains very low. There is no change to (other) travel advice.
  2. For the latest travel advice, please see the NaTHNaC website.
  4. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the recommended name for what was previously called novel coronavirus.
  5. For more information about MERS-CoV please visit PHE’s dedicated webpages.
We’d like to invite you to our family workshop on Monday 29 July 2013, 11:00 or 15:00 at the Korean Cultural Centre!

STORYTELLING SESSION: FOLKTALES ABOUT THE MOON

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The interactive storytelling sessions with Sef Townsend will be a chance for children from about 7 to 12 to hear some of the wonderful stories about the Moon that are found in all cultures around the world, including Korea.  Everybody will be able to have a really  fun time of  storytelling, song and 'join-in' music games. Sef will emphasise the use of traditional material  from Korea and Europe and, as well as favourite Korean stories such as 'The Sun and the Moon' and ' the Rabbit in the Moon' we'll be hearing other stories about the moon from The UK and Europe to see if they are really so different. Fun is guaranteed!

An experienced workshop leader, musician and storyteller, Sef has been working in performance and education, in Britain and overseas, for more than 25 years. He is a qualified teacher with a particular interest in Refugee, Interfaith, and Peace and Reconciliation projects and his teaching experience with children extends from the 'Early Years' through to teenagers. He has been involved in many cross art forms, inter-generational projects, and family-based learning activities. He has devised and presented programmes for BBC Radio 3's Traditional Music Programme, and his storytelling and oral history work has led to programmes on London's Spectrum Radio and BBC Radio 4's "Woman's Hour".

To book your place, please RSVP to info@kccuk.org.uk or call 020 7004 2600 with your name and time slot you would like to join. 
For more information on the exhibition and workshop programme please visit www.kccuk.org.uk


Best regards,

Korean Cultural Centre UK
Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand London
WC2N 5BW
T: +44(0)20 7004 2600
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