According to the new guidelines, students with symptoms of Covid must “self-isolate in their current accommodation”.
London:
Universities across the UK are preparing to reopen for the start of the fall semester this month as part of the government’s COVID-19 guidelines update, which restricts large gatherings of more than six people on campus .
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons on Thursday that he wanted students to be careful not to transmit the coronavirus to more vulnerable groups of their parents and grandparents.
“If you are a student about to return to college or go to college for the first time, please, for the sake of your education and the health of your parents and grandparents – parents, follow the rules and don’t get together in a group of more than six, ”Hancock said in a statement to Parliament.
The Ministry of Education has released updated guidelines for universities on how they can operate in a COVID secure manner. This includes a clear request not to send students home in the event of an outbreak in order to prevent the virus from spreading across the country, “he said.
The first few weeks of what is the start of a new academic year in September are traditionally marked by reunions and gatherings of beginners. However, this year an effort will be made to limit the number of students as much as possible in order to control the spread of the coronavirus, as the number of cases in the country has started to rise again since last week.
According to guidelines from the Ministry of Education, students with symptoms of coronavirus are advised to “self-isolate in their current accommodation,” such as university residences.
All other residents of the same household must also self-isolate for 14 days and benefit from the support of their institution.
The guide recommends the use of disciplinary measures for student non-compliance, as well as suggestions to combat the spread of the virus such as “reduce the size of casts in the theater” and consider whether “certain courses in certain subjects can be driven outside “.
Hancock’s call for caution in the Commons was accompanied by speeches by UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Universities Secretary Michelle Donelan, urging university staff and students to follow directions to try to limit the spread of infections.
“Let’s be honest, these months have been incredibly difficult, for everyone involved,” Donelan said.
“The next few months will be very different for you and I want to thank you for all the hard work you have done to ensure the introduction of social distancing measures, as well as blended learning and COVID safety measures. agree with you – it’s absolutely imperative that students and staff are protected, ”she said in a speech to members of Universities UK, representing most UK universities.
In his address to the vice chancellors, Williamson highlighted the additional funding given to universities as they fight the COVID-19 lockdown imposed in March.
“I recognize that the pressures suppliers are facing as a result of COVID-19 are considerable and some may experience serious financial hardship as a result. This is why my ministry is working closely with the industry, the student office and the whole government to monitor and fully understand the financial risks that providers face and help them access support when needed, and have established a restructuring regime to support universities as a last resort, if this proves necessary, ”he said.
Referring to the visa changes unveiled for international students on Thursday, he added: “We now have a world-class student visa offer that suits our world-class higher education sector – it will only get better. once the Student Route launches later this year, and Student visa processes are further streamlined. “
The itinerary, to be applied to all international students, including Indians from October 5, will mean that students will need a total of 70 points to obtain a visa to study at a UK university under the new regime. points-based visa. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, speak English and are able to support themselves while studying in the UK. The UK Home Office has said the new route will simplify the existing Level 4 student visa application process.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
