COVID-19: advice and information - EM Normandie Oxford

Covid-19: advice and information

National COVID-19 guidance

Information and guidance on COVID-19 measures.

Update as of 22^th February 2022 – for England

From 21^st February 2022, the government has published its plan for living with COVID-19. This means:

Staff and students in most education settings no longer need to test twice a week.

From 24^th February 2022:

You will not be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

However, the school may choose to continue asking wearing masks on campus and will communicate to students accordingly.

EM Normandie UK is happy to provide students with Lateral Flow Test Kits, where required.

Update as of 14^th February 2022

From 27/01/22, England ended Plan B and returned to Plan A. This means:

You no longer have to show your NHS COVID Pass at venues and events.
You no longer need to wear a face covering, but consider wearing one in crowded, enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

However, the school may choose to continue asking wearing masks on campus and will communicate to students accordingly.

EM Normandie UK recommends students to test twice a week with a Lateral Flow Test, provided by the school regularly.

Travel conditions between France and England – from 11th February 2022:

If you are fully vaccinated you will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test either before or after you arrive in the UK. You do not need to quarantine when you arrive in England. You still need to complete a passenger locator form in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.

If you are not fully vaccinated you will need to take a pre-departure test in the 2 days before you travel to England. After you arrive, you will need to take a PCR test on or before day 2, but you will only need to quarantine if it’s positive. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

What you’ll need when you travel from the UK to France (fully vaccinated)

A proof of vaccination (valid “pass vaccinal”)
A sworn statement (“Déclaration sur l’honneur”)

What you’ll need when you travel from France to the UK (fully vaccinated)

A proof of vaccination
A passenger locator form

Update as of 7th January 2022

Travel and test rules have changed from 7^th January 2022. We recommend you to read this BBC article for highlights and refer to the government website for detailed information.

Covid: Pre-departure travel tests to be scrapped

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59876063

Below are the updated information from the government website, for fully vaccinated people.

When you arrive in England – fully vaccinated

From 4am 7 January you do not have to quarantine on arrival in England if you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England.

After you arrive in England you must take a COVID-19 test. This is the test that you booked before travel.

This must be a PCR test if you arrive in England before 4am Sunday 9 January. If you arrive after 4am, 9 January you can use a lateral flow test. You will be able to book lateral flow tests from 7 January.

You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0.

If your test result is positive, you must self-isolate and take a PCR test.

Update as of January 2022

For arrivals to the UK from abroad, we invite you to consult the latest recommendations concerning travel to England from another country. What you must do depends on whether you qualify as fully vaccinated under the rules for travel to England.

From Saturday 18^th December 2021, conditions of travelling between France and the UK have changed. For arrivals from France, more detailed information can be found on the Consulate General of France in London.

Update as of December, 2021

Omicron, the new variant of concern has been identified in Oxfordshire. Visit our news site for the latest updates. If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, follow its instructions about testing and self-isolating. This will help keep us all safe.

If you are not yet vaccinated, the best thing you can do is to do so, as soon as you are able to. Find out more about getting a vaccination.

Nationally, a number of temporary and precautionary measures have been introduced.

Move to Plan B

As a result of the move to Plan B:

Face coverings are required by law in most indoor settings. Find out more.
Office workers who can work from home should do so.
From Tuesday 14 December, if you are a close contact of a COVID-19 case (including Omicron cases), you will need to take daily lateral flow tests for seven days. If the tests remain negative and you’ve had at least two vaccine doses, you won’t then need to self-isolate. Unvaccinated adults must self-isolate for 10 days if they are a contact of a positive COVID-19 case – whether Omicron or not. Find out more on the government website.
From Wednesday 15 December, an NHS COVID-19 pass or proof of negative lateral flow test will be required for entry to nightclubs and large capacity venues for everyone aged 18 or over.

For more information on the move to Plan B, visit the government’s website.

How plan B supplements existing measures

The Plan B measures supplement other existing measures, which are as follows:

Secondary school children and their teachers are advised to wear face coverings in communal areas. Face coverings should continue to be worn on public and dedicated school transport.
If you’re returning from abroad, you must have a PCR test by the end of day two. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers – free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose. You must self-isolate until you receive a negative test result, and continue to self-isolate for 10 days if you are positive.
You should make sure you understand the rules around testing and quarantining before travel. You should also ensure that you keep up to date with changes to those rules, even while you are away. There are regular changes to the number of countries on the red list. Find out more.
You are advised to take a lateral flow test if there is a higher risk of you catching or passing on COVID-19 that day, for example when spending time within crowded and enclosed spaces. This is recommended in addition to taking two lateral flow tests per week.

Public health guidance

We are also advised to continue to follow existing public health guidance:

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, you should still book to receive a PCR test. Find your closest test centre.
You should regularly test for COVID-19 using lateral flow devices, even if you don’t have symptoms. One in three people with COVID don’t have symptoms and could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Find out how to get the tests.
If you have not been fully vaccinated, or if you have tested positive, you should still isolate if you’re contacted by NHS Test and Trace. This remains the law. Find out more.
You should be cautious in crowded areas or when mixing indoors. Face coverings, open windows and mixing with fewer people is recommended to reduce the risk.
Regular handwashing or using hand sanitiser makes it harder for the virus to spread.

HIGHER EDUCATION COVID 19 OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE

Update as of November, 2021

The Prime Minister announced on 27 November 2021 the temporary introduction of new measures as a result of the Omicron variant. These measures are precautionary, while the variant is tracked and assessed. As a result, we are reflecting these measures in this guidance for higher education (HE) providers, most directly a temporary recommendation on:

1. FACE COVERING

This advice remains subject to change as the situation develops. To date, face coverings are required at EM UK in classrooms, corridors, workshops, offices, libraries, teaching rooms and break out spaces (e.g. chill room, student kitchen) especially where social distancing is difficult to maintain or where there is poor ventilation
- There are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering and are legally exempt from the requirement to wear face coverings. Students, please provide us with any helpful information (e.g. medical exemption, certificate, etc.)
2. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM PLANNED TEACHING AN LEARNING

The 3 different scenarios are
- Face to face teaching on campus: Remains in place until further notice.
- 100% ZOOM delivery available as soon as required
- Twinning delivery: Already in place
3. CONTACT TRACING

HE providers should support NHS Test and Trace and ensure that students, staff and other visitors know how the contact tracing process works. Download the NHS COVID-19 app today.
The free NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and allows users to check-in to venues by scanning a QR code, which enables NHS Test and Trace to send notifications. We expect you to check-in the to the EM UK upon your arrival on campus (QR code posters on our campus).

4. REGULAR TESTING

Students and staff should test twice each week (3 to 4 days apart) using home test kits or at an on-site testing facility where possible. EM UK is offering free test kits and organises testing sessions on campus twice a week from tomorrow, Wednesday 1st of December.

It is very important that, when testing at home, test results are reported online to NHS Test and Trace whether positive, negative or void. Reporting results helps the NHS monitor the spread of the virus, combat the virus and save lives.

NB: If a student or staff member has recently (within 90 days) tested positive for COVID-19, they are likely to have developed some immunity. If a student or staff member has had a confirmed positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, they do not need to be tested again within that time period if they are asymptomatic. They are still required to follow the national guidance for adults who have been identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, even if this is within the 90 day window.

5. POSITIVE TESTED OR CONTACT

For those who test positive or who have been identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace, further information is available in the guidance NHS Test and Trace: how it works:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works.
This sets out what individuals should do if they test positive or if they are a contact of someone who has tested positive, and how NHS Test and Trace will work with them to stop the spread of the virus

6. CLEANING HE

We put in place and maintain an appropriate cleaning schedule. This includes regular cleaning of areas and equipment with a particular focus on frequently touched surfaces. It will not generally be necessary to clean areas and equipment between use by different groups throughout the day and the sharing of equipment should be permitted.

7. VENTILATION

Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated. When a setting is in operation, it is important to ensure it is well ventilated and a comfortable teaching environment is maintained.
Opening external windows can improve natural ventilation, and in addition, opening internal doors can also assist with creating a throughput of air

8. ADDITIONAL MEASURES

This includes but is not limited to:
- minimising contact with any individuals who are required to self-isolate by ensuring they do not attend the HE provider’s facilities
- ensuring everyone is advised to clean their hands thoroughly and more frequently 10
- ensuring good respiratory hygiene for everyone by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.

Update as of August 8th, 2021
Most legal restrictions on social contact have been lifted from 19th July 2021. However, Covid-19 is still spreading across the UK, and the following recommendations remain:

Prefer outdoor meetings and well-ventilated areas.
Get tested at the first symptoms of Covid, however mild, and self-isolate if the test is positive.
Wear a face covering in crowded areas, such as public transport or shops.
Use the NHS COVID-19 tracking application.
Wash hands regularly with soap, or use hand sanitiser.
Consider limiting close contact with people you do not live with.

From 8th August:

If you’ve been fully vaccinated with a vaccine authorised and administered in the UK, US or Europe (plus 14 days), you do not need to quarantine when returning from amber list countries (which includes France, except Reunion and Guyana, to date). Reservation of a Day 2 test remains compulsory.

We invite you to consult the latest recommendations concerning travel to the United Kingdom from the red, amber and green countries.

For arrivals from France, more detailed information can be found on the Consulate General of France in London.

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Update as of March 30^th, 2021
Read the restrictions in England applicable from March 29th.

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Update as of March 17^th 2021

On March 12^th, the French Council of State abolished the compelling reasons for the return of French citizens abroad.

« Every French person has the right to join the national territory« : this removes any ambiguity regarding the safe return of students to France.

Of course, it will be necessary to respect the instructions such as carrying out a PCR test before entering French territory and having a travel certificate. The UK authorities provide a list of centres for Covid-19 PCR testing.

Travel conditions between France and the UK
International travel is not recommended unless there is a compelling reason to enter the UK.

France requires a negative test prior to entry into France.

For arrivals in the UK, there is still a list of 33 countries for which hotel quarantine at the traveller’s expense remains mandatory. It costs £1,700 per stay. To date, France is not on this list.

See all the rules related to travel with permanent update.

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Update as of March 10^th 2021

Travel rules published in March 2021

Mandatory form for international travel launched to prevent illegal trips

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Update as of February 23^rd 2021

Prime Minister Boris JOHNSON has announced yesterday, MON 22 FEB 2021, a « roadmap » for easing COVID-19 restrictions in England. After the first stage on 8 March, further lifting of the rules will happen if certain conditions are met. You can read and watch below:

The steps from March to June:
BBC Vidéo
or
Government Web Site
or
Boris JOHNSON in full in Downing Street press conference yesterday

Please note that the current and further guidance in my emails to you applies nationally to England and is under review. Moreover, please let me stress a few things especially for those currently living in Oxford:

– 8 March : All schools and colleges will reopen and University students can return for practical courses. There will be a review for all of our students registered at EM Oxford and especially those currently settled in Oxford.
– Please do not travel to the UK as we have still very strict international travel restrictions.
– The roadmap builds on the previous guidance for a safe reopening higher education (HE) campuses, and will be updated further.
– Please answer the survey (to come) as we need to know who and how many students are in Oxford and willing to return on site. This is crucial.

We are working hard to minimise risk during the pandemic and to provide services to ensure you have an enjoyable learning experience while staying as safe as possible. You know the measures that EM Normandie took to ensure our campus was Covid secure during the autumn semester to allow teaching and learning as safely as possible.

The EM Normandie Oxford now needs to translate the roadmap into the specific actions. We will set out clearly what steps we will take to ensure that you, staff and lecturers can return, with confidence that everything has been made to reduce risks in our working and student environment, in accordance with government guidance.

So please check your mailbox: We will update our specific guidance shortly.

Many grateful thanks for your cooperation.
Warm wishes; spring is on its way and brighter days are coming!

Miriam

Miriam SCHMIDKONZ
Campus Director EM Normandie UK/Oxford
mschmidkonz@em-normandie.co.uk

PS: Looking after your mental health in COVID times:
The restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic can seem relentless and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or anxious. Feeling lonely? Please talk to someone in the welfare or campus team. Our psychologist Tatiana CANTAUD is available Tatiana.cantaud05@em-normandie.fr Confidential, in French and in English and for free.)

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Update as of February 12^th 2021

Find the new rules for testing and hotel quarantine in the UK on the BBC website.

Travelling outside the UK: please remember lockdown rules mean people must only travel abroad for essential reasons. These are the same as the « reasonable excuses » for domestic travel, including:

Work that cannot be done from home
Medical appointments
Educational reasons

Please note: people leaving England will soon have to make a declaration on why they need to travel, which will be checked by carriers prior to departure.

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Update as of January 21^st 2021

Consult the new rules of travel between France and the United Kingdom on the website of the French Embassy.

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Update as of January 5^th 2021

National lockdown in England: Stay at Home

Yesterday evening at 8pm, the Prime Minister Boris JOHNSON has announced a national lockdown in England and instructed people to stay at home. The decision follows a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country.

The restrictions come into effect today, Tuesday 5 January 2021 and are expected to last until the middle of February if the situation in hospitals improve. Higher education provision will be online until end-February. Thus, our campus is now closed and our students should remain where they are wherever possible, and attend your semester online, as facilitated by the school.

All non-essential retail, hospitality and personal care services must close, or remain closed. Restaurants can continue delivery, takeaway or click-and-collect of food and non-alcoholic drinks, but venues will no longer be able to serve takeaway or click-and-collect alcohol.

Essential shops can remain open. The outdoor areas of venues such as heritage homes and botanical gardens can remain open, to be used for exercise. Playgrounds may also remain open. Places of worship can also remain open, but you may only visit with your household. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities including sports courts, gyms, golf courses, swimming pools, and riding arenas must also close.

From today, you will only be allowed to leave your homes for the following reasons:

shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
[…]

Avoid unnecessary travel and only travel outside of your local area for a legitimate reason, e.g. travel back home to your family.

Find out what you can and cannot do here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

The EM Normandie Oxford will provide 100% remote learning, support and services until at least late February. Please note that teaching and admin staff is working from home and available from Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 5pm as follows:

U1, U2, U3

Emma PRUSZEWICZ, Head of Programme : epruszewicz@em-normandie.co.uk
Marie DUPONT-ZACCARIN, assistant : mdupont-zaccarin@em-normandie.co.uk

Miriam SCHMIDKONZ, Head of Programme : mschmidkonz@em-normandie.co.uk
Cindy MORREALE, assistant : cmorreale@em-normandie.co.uk

Paul GRIFFITHS, Head of Programme : pgriffiths@em-normandie.co.uk
Cindy MORREALE, assistant : cmorreale@em-normandie.co.uk

Students’ Life, Welfare and Associations

Jean-Louis EVEQUE : jeveque@em-normandie.fr
Tatiana CANTAUD, Psychologiste : tatiana.cantaud05@em-normandie.fr

Director or EM Normandie Oxford

Miriam SCHMIDKONZ : mschmidkonz@em-normandie.co.uk
Cindy MORREALE, Assistant to the Director : cmorreale@em-normandie.co.uk

Regular updates will be communicated.
Stay safe, stay at home and do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Best wishes,

Miriam SCHMIDKONZ

For full information about COVID-19 in UK

Protective measures against COVID-19:

Wash your hands frequently
Maintain social distancing
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Practice respiratory hygiene
Stay home if you feel unwell
If you Think you have symptoms, do not come to the campus, to not go to the hospital or local surgery but call 111 or go online: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19