HUNDREDS of pupils from Hong Kong could be stranded in the UK this Easter due to fears about the deadly virus from South East Asia. Boarding-school pupils are staying here for the holidays, for fear of contracting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It has so far caused 60 deaths worldwide, including 16 in Hong Kong.
Epsom college has about 45 pupils from Hong Kong, several of whom have decided to stay with guardians in the UK over the holiday. Youngsters are worried about their families, and vice versa. Headteacher Stephen Borthwick said: “Some pupils and their parents are concerned that the youngsters may pick up the illness. Worries are more substantial among those who have got public examinations to come back to - there might be some sort of quarantine.”
