Advice for UK Education Institutions on Covid-19 impact in East Asia
Summary
At the British Council, the health and safety of all our visitors, staff and the communities in which we operate is our top priority. We support and cooperate with all local government agencies to put all necessary measures in place to ensure the continued well-being of all with whom we engage in the course of our operations.
This post is to keep UK institutions updated on disruptions across the East Asia region caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
For travel advice, please refer to FCO updates, and we would encourage institutions who are considering travelling to sign up for alerts - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also strongly encourage visiting local government health websites to stay abreast of the prevailing health advisory and precautionary measures in any country.
For IELTS test arrangements as a result of Novel Coronavirus precautions, please see: https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/changes-to-ielts-test-arrangements-in-some-locations-due-to-novel-coronavirus.
We are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Please find current information by country/territory as per below:
Key Updates
Malaysia: Educational institutions (except early years centres) are closed and have resumed online teaching/learning.
Taiwan: Schools at all levels close for online learning in response to the outbreak.
Vietnam: Hanoi and some affected provinces authorities have closed schools from 4 May, including language centres. Ho Chi Minh city has also announced to close schools and move to online teaching from 10 May.
China
Updated 21 May
No major updates.
Contact: IES.China@britishcouncil.org.cn
Hong Kong
Updated 17 May
The social distancing measures have been extended until 27 May despite infection figures remain at low level. In addition, the government introduced a new policy called ‘vaccine bubble’ whereby boosting the city’s vaccination rate (news link). This will allow those who fully vaccinated to be able to enjoy a further easing of social distancing restrictions, as well as help the community return to normal as soon as possible.
Local Schools
The Education Bureau (EDB) announced that all schools and private education institutions are permitted resume in-person classes for all pupils on a half-day basis from 24 May.
However, it is reported that some international schools (e.g. French International School, Discovery College) are being allowed to run full-day sessions, based on their facilities being suitable for social distancing, leading some in the local sector to accuse the government officials of applying double standards.
HKDSE Exam 2021
This year’s HKDSE exam took place from 23 April to 17 May 2021. The results are scheduled to be published on 21 July.
A contingency plan was also revealed by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) should the situation worsen around the time of the new exam dates. If this were to happen, the exam dates would move to early June, with results being released on 31 August.
In addition, according to the latest registration report of HKDSE 2021, the number of student candidates dropped by 4.22% compared to the 2020 cohort. However, it is noteworthy that there is a 2% of increase in numbers of private candidates. Local news indicated that this may be resulted by learning disruptions caused by the social unrest in 2019 and the outbreak of Covid-19 last year.
Sources:
HKDSE 2021: Written tests to be postponed to 23 April and oral tests to be cancelled
Registration Statistics of 2021 HKDSE
British Council Operations
In line with the HK government’s new social-distancing rules, The British Council will be closed to the general public. For the most up-to-date information on our services, please visit our website: www.britishcouncil.hk/en/covid-19 . We are of course happy to hold meetings with the UK Education sector by means of online calls.
Entry requirements to Hong Kong
With effect from 12 May, the requirements for quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong will be reduced for some fully vaccinated travellers, depending on where they have travelled from (full details here). The UK is in A2 ‘Very High Risk’ category, along with the Republic of Ireland. This is the second highest category and means that, while UK-Hong Kong flights have now resumed, there will be no relaxation of quarantine requirements for travellers from the UK at this stage.
Travel restrictions in summary
Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into HK
Transit flight services at Hong Kong International Airport resumed from 01 June 2020
Residents and valid visa holders travelling from outside of China (excluding very high-risk places specified otherwise) must supply a negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours prior to flight departure time and a confirmation letter of hotel reservation for 21-day self-quarantine before boarding for HK.
NEW: In light with the spike of infection cases in Taiwan, as of 16 May, travellers who stayed in Taiwan over the past 14 days require to comply with the same rules as passengers travelling from outside of China. Non-HK residents will be denied for entry.
Sources:
Centre for Health Protection (CHP), HKSAR
Government further tightens quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving from Taiwan
Macau
Updated 21 May
No major updates.
Contact: Anna Lee anna.lee@britishcouncil.org.hk or Karen Hsu karen.hsu@britishcouncil.org.hk
Indonesia
Updated 18 May
Indonesia continues to have SOPs and movement restrictions across the country; however, some relaxations have been introduced.
The social and movement restriction measures include preferred remote working for offices, online learning, reduced capacity and operational hours for retail malls, and restaurants.
The vaccination drives are underway, and the government task force has confirmed that 13.7 million Indonesians have received the vaccine. Indonesian Ministry of Health also released data from a recent survey indicating that Indonesians are less hesitant now about being vaccinated and 80% of respondents are keen to receive it as soon as possible.
Sources:
Education
The government has stated that all school teachers must be vaccinated by end of June as the government is set to open schools in July. Schools have been advised to be ready to resume in-person learning for the new academic year in July. The target is to vaccinate five million educators by end of June. At the moment, schools are offering a hybrid of face-to-face and online learning options – with most parents opting for online learning for their children.
For higher education institutions, the advisory is that institutions can have face-to-face learning subject to institutions being ready to cater to all protocols and SOPs as dvised by the Ministry.
For most institutions, this means a blend of face-to-face and online lectures.
Sources:
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2021/04/04/government-pushes-for-school-reopening.html
LPDP in Indonesia have opened registrations for the 2021 cycle of admissions. The scholarships will fund international master’s and doctoral degrees at approved institutions around the world.
Sources:
https://voi.id/en/news/49459/lpdp-scholarship-2021-requirements-how-to-apply-and-selection-schedule
Travel
The Visa Application Centres in Jakarta and Bali remain open with controlled SOPs. Visitors/applicants can visit by appointment with prior approval from the embassy.
Operating hours are:
Bali: Monday (except national holidays) 8 am to 12 noon
Jakarta: Mondays and Wednesdays (except national holidays) 8 am to 12 noon
Source: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/id/aut/attend-centre
While there are travel restrictions in place. Indonesia has re-opened travel corridors.
The latest information on immigration regulations for Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic include guidelines about visas, documentation, SOPs for entry and exit into Indonesia. These include the suspension of visa on arrival during the pandemic.
Source: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/covid19/detail/77de68da/entering-and-departing-indonesia
The National Police Chief has urged for stringent measures at entry into Indonesia with increased testing at arrival into Indonesia.
Public events
Large scale public events are not allowed. However, the new relaxations allow weddings/gatherings for small groups at hotels.
British Council Activity
British Council staff continue to work from home.
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
Japan
Updated 21 May
Latest news
Across the country the cumulative totals now to 698,254 and the death toll as 11,940. We can see that the fourth wave is now striking all over this country with a daily record of 5,721 new COVID-19 cases including a new high record of 203 in Okinawa. While Tokyo and Osaka are on a downward, Okinawa and Hokkaido had the second highest number of new infections on record.
The government has declared the state of emergency in nine prefectures and has applied priority measures to prevent the spread of the disease in 10 prefectures. The government has decided to add Okinawa Prefecture, where priority measures are being applied, to the list of areas of the state of emergency from 23 May to 20 June, due to the rapid increase in the number of new cases. At last in this situation, priority vaccination has started being given to people aged over 65 from 12 April.
Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for all travellers including Japanese nationals are strengthened in Japan. For detail, please refer to this website.
Public Events
The government maintain restrictions on attendance at events such as professional sports games for cities and prefectures. In areas where a state of emergency has been declared, the event must be held in accordance with the size set by the prefecture, such as a maximum of 5,000 people and a capacity of 50%, and must be held no later than 9pm. In prefectures with priority measures to prevent the spread of the disease, the upper limit is set at 5,000 people. In other prefectures, the maximum number of people is "5,000 or 50% of the capacity, whichever is greater".
Stricter restrictions can be imposed by the prefectural governor, depending on the status of infection in the region.
Schools and Universities
The Ministry of Education (MEXT) continued to announce that all the students who were planning to go study abroad should align to the safety information of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and recommended to refrain from going to the 159 of level 3 countries and also to the countries or regions where the government has announced that people have been infected with the mutated virus. The Japanese Universities are making their decision aligned to this Government’s announcement.
The Ministry of Education is encouraging elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools to continue to provide educational activities, including school events and club activities, as much as possible in consideration of the situation of infection in the region. For universities and other institutions, they should take appropriate measures to ensure both the prevention of infection and the availability of learning opportunities through the face to face classes and online classes.
British Council Activities
Considering the government announcement, all the universities are still postponing the onsite exchange programs and it is difficult for the students to realize their plan to study abroad. On the other hand, we are receiving some request from Japanese Universities to take part in their “Study Abroad Webinars” although the number of requests is much smaller than usual years.
Contact
Tomoko Kawakita, Head of Education, British Council Japan - tomoko.kawakita@britishcouncil.or.jp
Malaysia
Updated 18 May
Government Response
The Malaysian government announced on 10 May that all of Malaysia will be placed under Movement Control Order (MCO) from 12 May till 7 June. This is one of the tighter measures to contain the spike in daily increase of Covid-19 infections that have exceeded 4000 plus daily. The MCO places a ban on gatherings and inter-district or inter-state travel. Educational institutions are closed and have resumed online teaching/learning. Only early years or child-care centres are allowed to be open in order to support working parents. Organisations have been advised to work from home with only 30% of management allowed in office at any time.
The Health Ministry announced on 17 May that if the situation does not improve, stricter measures and SOPs will be imposed – specifically for locations with higher record of Covid-19 infections.
Sources:
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/pm-announces-whole-malaysia-under-mco-may-12-june-7
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/05/690809/stricter-mco-being-considered-says-health-ministry
Public Events
There is a ban on social, cultural, religious gatherings and face-to-face seminars and workshops or meetings are not allowed – till after the MCO and then it will be subject to review and approvals as per advisory for protocol and SOPs for events. There are strict measures and SOPs for visiting public places within districts and include mandatory wearing of masks, temperature checks and contact tracing along with other measures.
Source: https://www.klook.com/en-MY/blog/malaysia-pkpp/
Education
Schools had re-opened in March and April amid SOPs for social distancing and arrangements in place. However, under the MCO all educational institutions (except early years centres) are closed and back to online teaching/learning till the MCO concludes or further advisories are issued by the government authorities.
Prior to that, the Ministry of Higher Education had launched the Higher Education Institution Entrepreneurship Action Plan 20210-2025. The initiative is designed to synergise academics, industry, government and community for higher education students.
Travel Restrictions
Malaysia has introduced temporary travel restrictions for travellers coming from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The restrictions include long term pass holders, international students, business and social travellers.
The mandatory quarantine period for travellers coming into Malaysia is 14 days.
Sources:
British Council Activities
British Council staff continue to work mostly from home.
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
Singapore
Updated 17 May
Singapore had adopted a three-phased approach since emerging from the nation-wide circuit-breaker in June 2020. Phase One featured resumption of selected services and the staggered re-opening of schools. During Phase Two, all students attended daily face-to-face lessons and most businesses resumed, although working from home was strongly encouraged wherever possible. Phase Three commenced on 28 December 2020, with further relaxation of restrictions. All safe management practices remained in place. Covid-19 testing and contact tracing continued.
However, with increasing numbers of community cases being detected in recent weeks, Singapore has reverted to Phase 2 (with effect from 8 May 2021), and a further tightening of safe management measures have come into effect from 16 May onwards (Phase 2 Heightened Alert: 16 May to 13 June 2021).
Working from home is the current default mode; gatherings are limited to group sizes of two and only if essential; dining-in options have been cancelled; schools are moving to full home-based learning from 19 May onwards. The multi-ministry taskforce is continuously evaluating the situation, and a second circuit-breaker is not being ruled out.
Sources:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/faqs
Vaccinations
The Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines are the two currently being used in Singapore.
Vaccinations for healthcare workers started on 30 December 2020 and have been progressively extended to various sectors and age groups.
As of 10 May 2021, 1.85 million individuals have received at least one dose of the vaccine. More than 1.28 million have received their second dose and completed the full vaccination regimen.
The government plans for all Singaporeans and long-term residents to be vaccinated by end-2021, for free.
The vaccination strategy is also being revisited, to determine whether the focus should be on administering more first doses of the vaccines, and on increasing the period between the first and second doses.
The Education and Health ministries are working out plans to vaccinate students under the age of 16 once approval is given in Singapore. The Health authorities are also evaluating the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for younger age groups after it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for children aged 12 to 15 years.
Sources:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination
Travel advisory
The multi-ministerial taskforce is continuously monitoring the covid-19 situation in neighbouring countries/ regions. Border measures and quarantine requirements are routinely being updated accordingly with provisions for Air Travel Passes, Reciprocal Green Lanes and Periodic Commuting Arrangements.
Stay-Home Notice (SHN) periods have been increased from 14 days to 21 days for visitors from most countries; pre-departure travel history for 21 days is also being monitored (increased from the earlier 14-day period).
Page Break
All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history (including transit) to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the last 21 days are not allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore.
Sources:
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/SHN-and-swab-summary.pdf
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/shn
Travel for studies
For students, the governmental advisory continues to allow travel for studies for students pursuing academic studies or professional qualifications overseas, for courses or examinations which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution. Students enrolled in local educational institutions may travel overseas to complete a compulsory course component or examination that cannot be completed locally. Students below the age of 18 may be accompanied by an adult. Mature students may travel overseas with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their studies.
Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
Safe Management measures at Educational institutions
The implementation of TraceTogether-only SafeEntry at all higher-risk venues, including educational institutions, originally scheduled to commence from 1 June 2021, has been brought forward to 17 May 2021.
Starting from 19 May 2021, all primary and secondary schools, and junior colleges including students from Special Education (SPED) schools, will shift to full Home-Based Learning (HBL) till end of the term on 28 May 2021.
Preschools and student care centres will remain open to support parents who need to work. As work-from-home will be the default mode at workplaces, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home during this period where possible1.
During the June holidays, schools will allow graduating cohorts to come back in small groups where necessary. The mid-year GCE O- and A-Level examinations will proceed as planned and with strict Safe Management Measures (SMMs) in place.
The Institutes of Higher Learning will reduce attendance on campus, by converting more classes to online learning where possible, with the exception of essential in-person sessions such as labs, practicals and final year projects. These measures will hold until end of Phase 2 Heightened Alert or further notice.
Sources:
https://www.moe.gov.sg/faqs-covid-19-infection
The Ministry of Health in Singapore provides a regularly updated status report on the daily Covid-19 situation at https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
South Korea
Updated on 20 May
The greater Seoul area, home to around half of the nation's 52-million population, has extended the Level 2 social distancing until 23 May, the third-highest in the country's five-tier scheme. Bans on gatherings of five or more people are in place nationwide.
As of 17 May, the government has vaccinated 3,733,806 people – 2,045,778 with the AstraZeneca vaccine and 1,688,028 with Pfizer's vaccine. The figure accounts for 7.3 percent of the country's population.
Schools are currently following the government's anti-virus guidelines to decide how many students can physically come to classes while others stay at home for remote learning courses.
Sources:
KCDC (Korean government’s official website for Covid-19)
KBR (http://www.koreabiomed.com)
Contact: Anna Lee anna.lee@britishcouncil.org.hk
Taiwan
Updated 20 May
Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus upon 19 May leaving the total number of cases at 2533, 12 death and 1133 recovered since the pandemic began at the end of December 2019, according to the Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) (source).
To keep social distancing of 1.5M and to wear the masks when entering to restaurant and public transportations are requested by the CDC. For information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Taiwan, please visit the Taiwan Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.tw/En
Taiwan eleven public venues are closed for accessing till further notice.
Most public large events like exhibition or show are currently closed or if open but various events and activities are requested to wearing the masks, and some still maintain temperature measures and alcohol spraying when entering the venue.
Schools and Universities
Taiwan schools to close until May 28 amid COVID-19 surge
Schools at all levels across Taiwan will be closed from May 19 to May 28, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced Tuesday, amid a recent surge of COVID-19 cases. The CECC said it hopes the suspension of on-site classes could curb the outbreak, noting that parents of children under the age of 12 or of an older child with disabilities are eligible to take coronavirus-related child care leave during this period.
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202105180012Schools at all levels close for online learning in response to the outbreak
MoE announced in order to reduce the risk of cluster infection, schools and public and private kindergartens will be closed from May 19 (Wed) to May 28 (Fri), and all educational institutions such as after-school care centres and tutorial classes will be closed at the same time. All students will learn from home.
https://www.edu.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=9E7AC85F1954DDA8&sms=169B8E91BB75571F&s=8BF1696CC31F4FE9
Travel Restrictions in summary
Taiwan to bar entry of non-residents for a month
Taiwan will close its borders with effect from Wednesday to all arrivals, except citizens and legal residents, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Monday, as the number of domestic COVID-19 infections continued to climb. The ban will remain in place for a month, from 19 May to 18 June, and exceptions will only be made in cases of emergency or for humanitarian reasons, but in such circumstances, the persons will be required to apply in advance for special permission to enter the country, the CECC said.All foreign nationals except for those who hold Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), documents proving they are in Taiwan for diplomatic or official purposes or to fulfil business contracts, or special entry permits are prohibited from entering Taiwan.
For the latest updates on Taiwan’s entry requirements, please monitor the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Sources:
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202105180012
https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/index.html
https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html
British Council Activities
British Council staff work mostly from home, IELTS exams continue running followed by the country’s regulations.
Contact: Diane Hsu, diane.hsu@britishcouncil.org.tw
Thailand
Updated 18 May
Starting from 6 May 2021, everyone entering the country, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, has to spend 14 days in quarantine.
Schools, universities and public events
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the Ministry of Education has postponed the opening of the new school term from 17 May to 1 June 2021, and 14 June 2021 for Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced on 30 April 2021 that universities adopt online teaching and staff members are requested to work from home at least until 16 May 2021.
In Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, which are provinces in maximum and strict controlled area, gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited.
Wearing mask when leaving home is compulsory.
Nightly 'soft' curfews have been introduced in some provinces, requesting everyone to remain inside their home or place of residence in the night time.
There are temporary closures of premises, including public venues, and sport premises, in some provinces.
British Council’s operation
In accordance with the Thai government, our English courses for adult are switched to online until 30 May 2021. For young learner courses, our new school term will start on 2 June 2021.
Examination schedule is subject to change as appropriate with necessary measures in place.
For more information please visit https://www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/about/notice
The International Education Services Team is still in operation and will be able to help give advice and respond to queries from UK institutions, agents, and stakeholders.
Contact: Uraiwan Samolee, uraiwan.samolee@britishcouncil.or.th
Contact: Uraiwan Samolee, uraiwan.samolee@britishcouncil.or.th
Vietnam
Updated: 14 May
Viet Nam has confirmed 729 new local Covid-19 cases since April 27 in the latest outbreak. As of May 6, 2021, Vietnam had confirmed 3,756 cases of COVID-19 with 35 deaths, though 2,657 of the patients had recovered.
Viet Nam has extended its quarantine policy from 14 to 21 days for both foreign arrivals and those who come into contact with Covid-19 patients. The decision has been made after several individuals contracted the virus after they'd already completed the 14-day quarantine and tested negative twice or thrice.
Travel restrictions:
In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on those entering the country.
Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners since March 22, 2020, until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure will not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers.
Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines resumed some international flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with South Korea, Japan, and Australia from April 3. Low-cost carrier VietJet has also resumed services including to Taiwan and Thailand. However, only repatriated approved Vietnamese citizens and approved foreign experts will be allowed to enter Vietnam.
Schools, universities and public events
Hanoi and some affected provinces authorities have closed schools from 4 May, including language centres. Ho Chi Minh city has also announced to close schools and move to online teaching from 10 May.
The authorities ban all face to face activities having more than 10 people gathering. Employers are required to strictly apply the official 5K measures (5K means "Khau trang" (face mask) - "Khu khuan" (disinfection) - "Khoang cach" (distance) - "Khong tu tap" (no gathering) - "Khai bao y te" (health declaration)). For internal meetings/ events, a minimum distance of 2m between people is required.
British Council’s operation:
Our English classes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are being delivered online.
Exams services in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city continue, although we will limit sessions to 30 people maximum and temperature check all candidates, as well as visitors to our centres. In addition, all candidates are required to complete a health declaration form and those coming from high-risk areas may be required to delay or postpone their scheduled exams sessions (depending on dates) in line with our Covid-19 prevention procedures.
Contact: Education Services Manager, Hien Le hien.le@britishcouncil.org.vn