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
Japan: The Ministry of Education (MEXT) announced that it will create a system that preferentially provide coronavirus vaccinations to students who are planning to study abroad from this October.
Singapore: Students will follow a phased pattern of return to physical classes from 28 June onwards, with all levels resuming face-to-face lessons by 6 July.
South Korea: Students from all grades would be allowed to fully attend in-person classes starting next semester.
Thailand: Schools have opened since 14 June but on-site teaching is still not allowed for schools in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, which are provinces in maximum and strictly controlled area.
China
Updated 24 June
Overview
By 23 June, 16 new cases were reported (all imported cases), leading to a total of 492 confirmed cases in mainland China. There’s no high risk areas to date, current 9 medium risk areas are all in Guangdong Province.
Education Sector
Most of the higher education institutions will start the summer holiday from mid-July; primary school, middle school and high schools will start the summer vacation from early July to mid-July, some local schools will shorten the holiday due to the impact of pandemic. Most campuses will be under closed-off management during the summer holidays, take regular pandemic control measures (including campus disinfection, regular check for students/staff travel records and health condition etc.) Students are not encouraged to travel to medium/high risk areas during the holidays, and they shall comply with local pandemic prevention policy to ensure personal safety.
Domestic travel
Regular pandemic prevention and control measures in the public space and transportation- wearing masks, green health code check
People are not encouraged to travel to medium / high risk areas,
If travellers are from medium/high risk areas, they shall comply with local prevention & control policy to go through test and quarantine etc.
International entry
Beijing – 14 +7 +7 ( 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 home quarantine + 7 community based health monitoring)
Guangzhou – 14 days quarantine in designated places ( 5 tests )
Shanghai – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days community based health monitoring (6 tests)
Source: http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2021-06/24/content_5620498.htm
Contact: IES.China@britishcouncil.org.cn
Hong Kong
Updated 24 June
Given the city’s Covid-19 situation being stabilised and the vaccination rate increasing steadily, the government decided to further relax the social distancing restrictions around “vaccine bubbles” in restaurants etc. until 07 July and will review the situation again nearer the time. However, the number of groups gathering in public areas remain no more than four persons.
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202106/22/P2021062101063.htm?fontSize=1
Hong Kong lowers the age limit for receiving BioNTech vaccines from 16 to 12
The vaccination programme was expanded to young pupils aged between 12-15 from 11 June. It is estimated that around 240,000 children will benefit from this new policy. It was also reported that the government may consider allowing schools to resume face-to-face classes on a full-day basis should the vaccination rate reaches to 70% or 80%. Currently, residents aged 16 or above have two vaccine options - Sinovac (China) and BioNTech (German/US) to choose form, but only the latter one will be available for young students from Year 8 to Year 11.
Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1594131-20210603.htm
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. 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:
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.
Tighter rules for UK arrival
In response to the rebound number of Covid-19 cases in the UK, passengers arriving in HK will be required to quarantine for 21 days in a designated quarantine hotel with effect from 28 June. The UK is currently in Group B category but will be listed in Group A2 ‘Very High Risk’ category again soon. This is the second highest category, meaning while UK-Hong Kong flights have now resumed, there will be no relaxation of quarantine requirements for travellers from the UK whether they are fully vaccinated or not.
Source: https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2021/06/20210624/20210624_212137_618.html
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.
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
- Macao government also lowered the age limit for Pfizer/BionTech vaccine to 12.
Contact: Anna Lee anna.lee@britishcouncil.org.hk or Karen Hsu karen.hsu@britishcouncil.org.hk
Indonesia
Updated 25 June
Indonesia continues to have SOPs and movement restrictions across the country, amid an increase in cases and infections. Indonesia’s Covid-19 Cases Surge Past the 2 Million Mark
The Task Force confirmed that Covid-19 has been detected in 510 regencies and cities throughout Indonesia’s 34 provinces, or 99 percent of Indonesian territory. The current surge in Covid-19 numbers is attributed to millions of people heading back to their hometowns during the Eid al-Fitr or Idul Fitri Islamic holidays last May, in defiance of a government ban on the annual practice.
The new restrictions announced include reduced operating ours for select sectors. The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced in a press conference that operating hours of shopping centres, including malls, markets, and other trade centres, should not cross 8 p.m. local time, from June 22 to July 5, 2021. This policy adjustment was issued to bolster micro-scale public activities restriction (Micro PPKM) in a bid to reduce the COVID-19 transmission rate. “Operating hours of shopping centres, malls or markets, and trade centres are up to 8 p.m. local time, and visitors are restricted to 25 percent of their maximum capacity”. The COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPC-PEN), outlined that the regulatory revision also included public activities at restaurants, food stalls, cafes, street vendors, and booths, either personally built or at shopping centres.
The Indonesian government has administered nearly 35.1 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine as of June 19, 2021, with 12,212,906 people receiving their second jabs and 22,873,342 others receiving their first shots of the vaccine. The government is targeting 40 million people and giving priority to healthcare workers, public service officers, and senior citizens in the first and second phases of the national vaccination program. Overall, it aims to vaccinate at least 181.5 million citizens, or 70 percent of the population, to create herd immunity against the virus. To speed up vaccinations, the government is working to expand the capacity of vaccination services — offered to all citizens free of cost — with allocations from its budget as well as funding from the private sector, notably by encouraging company-funded vaccinations for employees.
Education
To vaccinate children or not? Doubts linger amid COVID-19 surge ahead of school reopening. The plan to reopen schools in July poses a new threat to children’s health amid the current COVID-19 surge across the country. While the government aims to vaccinate all teachers by the end of June, the largely sluggish rollout has only exacerbated the problem surrounding the school reopening plan. Critics have been quick to point out the dangers of reopening schools too soon, particularly as more transmissible COVID-19 variants have been detected in some parts of the country, including Jakarta and Kudus, Central Java. While some parents have become more open to the idea of sending their children back to school, with the caveat that all school employees have been vaccinated and schools have implemented stringent health and safety measures, others are still wondering if and when their children should be vaccinated. School-age children are among the groups with the lowest COVID-19 fatality rates in the world, but Indonesia is reportedly among those countries that have recorded the highest COVID-19 deaths in children. In September 2020, Indonesia’s death rate among paediatric cases of COVID-19 surpassed the United States.
LPDP in Indonesia 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 Jakarta Visa Application Centres (VAC) will be closed for the week of 21 to 25 June due to local regulations as a number of staff tested positive for Covid-19. All customers who have appointments will be contacted and appointments rescheduled for when the VAC is re-opened.
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
Public events
Large scale public events are not allowed and advisories are changing on a regular basis.
British Council Activity
British Council staff continue to work from home.
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
Japan
Updated 23 June
Latest news
The Japanese government has decided to lift the coronavirus state of emergency currently issued for 10 prefectures (Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Fukuoka) except Okinawa. But 7 of those prefectures will be under intensive anti-virus measures till July 11.
While the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions remain the priority, the Japanese government has provided coronavirus vaccinations at workplaces and university campuses to speed up the national rollout.
Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for all travellers including Japanese nationals are strengthened in Japan.
Public Events
The government maintain restrictions on attendance at events such as professional sports games for cities and prefectures. In areas where intensive anti-virus measures and the state of emergency have been declared, the event must be held in accordance with the size, such as a maximum of 5,000 people and a capacity of 50%, and must be held no later than 9pm.
Regarding the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Games Organizing Committee and others have decided to hold the event with spectators in principle, with a maximum of 10,000 people within 50% of the capacity of the venue.
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 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 (MEXT) announced that it will create a system that preferentially provide coronavirus vaccinations to students who are planning to study abroad from this October. An English document certifying the inoculation will be issued under the name of MEXT.
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 have been receiving some request from Japanese Universities. We have already conducted one webinar for Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, and also for Keio University and expecting to do more in the next couple of months. We are also expecting to hold our Pre Departure Briefing Webinar in July.
Contact
Tomoko Kawakita, Head of Education, British Council Japan - tomoko.kawakita@britishcouncil.or.jp
Malaysia
Updated 25 June
Government Response
The Malaysian government had re-imposed a Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) that was scheduled to conclude on 14 June, however, due to the on-going high rate of daily new cases, the FMCO was extended to 28 June. This is one of the tighter measures to contain the spike in daily increase of Covid-19 infections that are currently between 5000 to 6000 on a daily basis, having come down from a record high of 10,000 cases in a day. The FMCO places a ban on movement, there is strict monitoring and random checks to ensure there is no unnecessary movement. Inter-district or inter-state travel remain banned. Educational institutions are closed and have resumed online teaching/learning. There is a ban on social, cultural, religious gatherings and face-to-face seminars and workshops or meetings are not allowed – this will be 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.
The Malaysian vaccination drive has crossed 250,000 daily doses as of 22 June. In total, the country has administered 6,301,727 vaccinations. The government aims to fully vaccinate 10% of the population by mid-July.
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 and FMCO all educational institutions are closed and back to online teaching/learning till further advisories are issued by the government authorities.
A record high of 15 Malaysian universities qualified for the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University rankings in 2021 – as compared to eight from last year, further strengthening Malaysia as an international education hub.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/03/malaysia-now-has-15-in-list-of-worlds-best-universities and https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/02/record-high-of-15-malaysian-universities-qualified-for-the-asia-university-rankings-2021
Malayan students travelling overseas for international study are now required to apply for a travel pass. This was announced by the Malaysian Immigration Department. This is applicable to students who are currently enrolled at international universities as well as new students who will travel to join campuses outside of the country. Additional details and announcements on this are expected.
Source: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/05/25/students-studying-abroad-for-first-time-now-required-to-apply-for-travel-pa/1976809 and https://education-services.britishcouncil.org/news/market-news/malaysian-students-travelling-overseas-international-study-are-now-required-apply?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=immediate&utm_content=news%3A%20Market%20News%20
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, however it has been extended to 21 days for travellers from select countries.
British Council Activities
British Council staff continue to work mostly from home.
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
Singapore
Updated 24 June
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, and prevalence of the Delta variant, Singapore reverted to Phase 2 in May 2021 with a further tightening of safe management measures (Phase 2 Heightened Alert: 16 May to 13 June 2021).
A gradual re-opening (Phase 3 Heightened Alert) in two stages has begun from 14 June 2021.
Working from home remains the default mode. Social gatherings are allowed in groups of five, but dining-in is limited to group sizes of two. Students are currently on their midterm breaks and a staggered return to physical classes will begin from 28 June onwards. The multi-ministry taskforce is continuously evaluating the situation.
Sources:
https://www.gov.sg/article/gradual-re-opening-to-phase-3-heightened-alert-from-14-june
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 31 May 2021, over 4 million doses of vaccines have been administered in Singapore, with above 1.7 million individuals fully vaccinated. Contact tracing, testing and vaccination will continue to be key prongs of Singapore’s strategy to control the pandemic.
Vaccinations have now begun for the 12-39 year-old age group. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved in Singapore for children below 18 years of age.
The government plans for all Singaporeans and long-term residents to be vaccinated by end-2021, for free.
Sources:
https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-vaccination-extended-to-singapore-citizens-aged-12-to-39
https://www.gov.sg/article/expanding-singapores-vaccination-programme
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.
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.
From 27 June 2021 onwards, Stay-Home Notice (SHN) periods which had been increased to 21 days for visitors from most countries, will go back to 14 days. Travellers aged three years and above will also be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure for Singapore, and be subjected to all tests required of travellers under the prevailing border measures.
Sources:
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/SHN-and-swab-summary.pdf
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
Schools
Students will follow a phased pattern of return to physical classes from 28 June onwards, with all levels resuming face-to-face lessons by 6 July.
Institutes of Higher Learning
IHLs will progressively increase the number of students allowed back on campus for in-person learning. From 21 June, small-group classes or consultations that were previously conducted online have resumed on campus. Students will continue to return for essential in-person sessions such as labs and practicals. In-person examinations will also continue to be held with no more than 50 persons per venue. All in-person classes and other activities on campus are subject to strict Safe Management Measures. Classes and lectures with more than 50 persons will continue to be held online.
Safe Management Measures
These include:
Wearing of masks in school and on campus at all times;
Daily temperature-taking in schools, and continued temperature and symptom screening at entrances of IHLs. Students/staff with Acute Respiratory Infection symptoms will be required to stay away from schools/IHLs and are advised to see a doctor;
Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces and disinfection of premises daily;
Frequent hand-washing throughout the school day and the wipe-down of tables after use;
Fixed exam-style seating in schools;
Staggered recess in schools;
Fixed seating arrangements with at least 1m spacing in canteens, classrooms or at appropriate venues;
Dining in canteens and dining halls at the IHLs to continue with the necessary Safety measures
Students to have their TraceTogether token/app with them throughout the school day to facilitate accurate contact tracing
Visitors and staff to check in using their TraceTogether token/app to be allowed entry into schools/institutions, and must have the token/app with them throughout.
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 25 June
The greater Seoul area, home to around half of the nation's 52-million population, has extended the Level 2 social distancing until 4 July, the third-highest in the country's five-tier scheme. Bans on private gatherings of five or more people are in place nationwide. Family gatherings can be increased to eight members, including babies and toddlers. Completely vaccinated people will be excluded from the limit.
As of 11 June, 10,565,404 people – 7,189,933 with the AstraZeneca vaccine, 3,123,684 with Pfizer's vaccine, and 251,787 with Janssen's vaccine – with the first shot of the vaccine up 733,067 from the previous day. The figure accounts for 20.6 percent of the country's population.
Students from all grades would be allowed to fully attend in-person classes starting next semester. The attendance cap is set at two-thirds for middle and high schools, and three-quarters for grades 3 through 6 at elementary schools. No attendance cap is set for first and second grade elementary school students until the daily number of added cases exceeds 1,000 but stays below 2,000. All classes will shift to virtual classes when the number of new cases exceeds 2,000.
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 22 June
Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus upon 19 May leaving the total number of cases at 14,080, 569 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
In response to the epidemic, schools at all levels across the country have extended their suspension of classes until the end of the semester
In response to severe and special infectious infectious diseases, the nationwide implementation of the epidemic alert level has been extended, which is the risk of group infection, the health of school teachers and students, and the rights of learning. The Ministry of Education considers reducing the third semester. On 7 June, schools at all levels and public and private kindergartens across the country cease to attend school (kindergarten) during the second semester of 2021. The period will be extended to 2 July, 2021 (schools below high school are closed), and students will learn online at home; after school care service centres, cram schools and other educational institutions also ask all students to stop going and stay at home to study; the school implements online teaching methods, faculty and staff attendance management, teacher teaching methods, and parent service measures, please follow the previously implemented methods.
https://www.edu.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=9E7AC85F1954DDA8&s=210015AEE5D67F5EThe university refers to alternative groups to gather outside worries, and each examination venue is reduced to 20 people to keep distance
The Education Bureau of Taichung City Government stated that it will plan trial services with the highest epidemic prevention specifications, and the number of people in each trial site will be reduced to 20 people, ensuring that the distance between them is more than 1.5 meters. In addition, whether the trial staff can give priority to vaccinations, the Bureau of Education said that it must wait for further steps
https://udn.com/news/story/121427/5547832?from=udn-catelistnews_ch2More than 3,000 Hong Kong students apply for our university, the Ministry of Education simplifies the admissions process to recruit talents
According to statistics from the Overseas Joint Admissions Association, there were nearly 7,000 overseas Chinese who applied for individual applications this year, a significant increase of 1,686 over last year, with a growth rate of 33%; the increase in Hong Kong students was a large number of 685. The main reason for growth is that the world is affected by the epidemic and Hong Kong is experiencing an incident in return. Students who originally planned to study in Hong Kong, mainland China and other places prefer Taiwan.
https://udn.com/news/story/6885/5547824?from=udn-catelistnews_ch2Transforming learning through digital collaboration
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the landscape of higher education beyond national boundaries and a wide range of learning models are emerging, in particular in online learning at higher education institutions. During the pandemic, National Taiwan University (NTU) has navigated the challenge of preparing students for the future of learning as well as facilitating online education and virtual exchanges. The Global Learning Initiatives Program is an online learning programme that was launched by NTU in April 2020 among the Association of East Asian Research Universities (AEARU). AEARU is an international network with 19 members from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan. The programme aims to incorporate the resources of multiple leading universities to provide unique international learning experiences with different cross-cultural perspectives from students in different locations and regions. The first pilot round was launched in spring 2021. In this round, there are 90 participating students and 33 faculty members from eight universities.
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2021060708183424
Travel Restrictions in summary
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, all classes at the Teaching Centre are now moving to online course, IELTS exams continue running followed by the country’s regulations.
Contact: Diane Hsu, diane.hsu@britishcouncil.org.tw
Thailand
Updated 22 June
Currently, everyone entering the country, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, has to spend 14 days in quarantine. However, the government plans to waive quarantine for tourists from certain countries who are fully vaccinated and may start to implement this measure in Phuket from 1 July.
From 1 July, those who travel to Thailand by airlines must book their stay at Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotels at their own expense. ASQ is currently 15 nights.
Schools, universities and public events
Schools have opened since 14 June but on-site teaching is still not allowed for schools in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, which are provinces in maximum and strictly controlled area.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced on 18 May that universities in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan continue to adopt online teaching. Universities in other provinces may resume onsite activities with Covid-19 control measures.
From 21 June, gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
Wearing mask when leaving home is compulsory.
British Council’s operation
Our teaching centres offer online English courses for adults until 31 July and will also offer classroom lessons when the government allows. Our English courses for young learners have been online since 16 June and will continue to be so until the government lifts the classroom learning ban.
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
Vietnam
Updated: 23 June
Since the new wave on April 27, Vietnam has registered 9,267 community transmissions in 41 cities and provinces. Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and HCMC continue to account for most infections, at 5,092, 1,485 and 1,386.
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