OXFORD is on standby as the Government and health officials around the world stay on high alert following the outbreak of the Coronavirus in China.

Symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to those of respiratory illnesses such as a cold or flu, but can be fatal as 26 people in China who have caught the infection have died.

There are now more than 1,000 confirmed cases of the virus globally and in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) is leading on providing advice to the NHS and to the public.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus cases ‘highly likely’ in UK as nine people await test results

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) said it is staying informed as to whether to take any precautions at its hospitals.

Fourteen people in the UK who were tested have been given the all clear and health secretary Matt Hancock said the risk to the public 'remains low'.

Oxfordshire's designer outlet, Bicester Village, is a top tourist attraction which sees thousands of Chinese tourists every year.

The outlet said it will take any necessary measures if advised to do so.

A spokesperson for its owner, Value Retail, said: "In light of the recent outbreak of the Corona Pneumonia virus in China, we are monitoring the situation closely as well as the guidance from the World Health Organisation and will be taking any measures as advised by government and expert authorities."

ALSO READ: Riding for Disabled Abingdon lockdown after horse virus breakout

PHE has issued advice to the NHS in relation to the identification and treatment of Coronavirus and OUH has communicated this to its clinical staff.

Oxford University has released advice for its students and staff, and will update its guidance depending on the level of risk issued by PHE.

In its statement on its website, it said: "If staff or students have recently travelled to an affected area and develop symptoms of a respiratory illness within 14 days of the exposure, they should phone their GP or contact 111 who will advise them.

"They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to an affected area."

The university also said it keeps all students and staff aware of public health risks as they occur via email, and advises staff who are planning to travel to China to ensure that they contact the occupational health team before travelling.

ALSO READ: Free NHS flu vaccines for patients with chronic diseases

Oxford Airport in Kidlington is also closely monitoring the situation and waiting for instruction and updates from the Government.

At the moment it has no anticipated private flights from China into Oxford, and therefore would not take any specific action.

All inbound flights from outside the EU coming into the airport are forwarded to UK Border Force with 24 hours or more notice.

The unit in charge of Oxford clearances will determine any appropriate measures in advance and would instruct the airport.

The Chinese government has suspended flights departing from Wuhan, which is where the outbreak began.

Large-scale celebrations for Chinese New Year have been cancelled. America will charter flights on Sunday to bring its citizens back from Wuhan. It's not known whether the UK government will be doing the same for UK citizens.