COVID-19 FAQs for Oxford International Juniors

This page has been set up to provide answers to frequently asked questions that students, parents, and agents might have regarding our Junior programmes. It will be updated on a regular basis. (Last Updated 09:24 24th March 2020)

SCHOOL/CENTRE OPERATIONS AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING

Are your centres closed?
We would like to reassure you that we are still planning to run our Oxford International Junior Summer Programmes in July and August. These programmes are still several months away and we are all hopeful that the situation will change for the better before then.

It is a rapidly changing landscape, and we will endeavour to provide updates regarding our programmes on our website (date changes or centre closures, etc.) so you can make the right decision for you and your students this summer.

What is the school/centre doing to protect the community?
At Oxford International, we take student health and welfare very seriously. Over the last 29 years, we have had the experience of dealing with SARS, MERS, Swine Flu and Brid Flu outbreaks and other elements outside our control. In all of these cases, our procedures have ensured that all students can enjoy their course without interruption and return home safely.

Below is a summary of the key processes that will be in place for our Summer Centres:

  • All Oxford International summer staff will undergo training during inductions on best practice to reduce the spread of the virus
  • Centre management teams will be fully aware of all recommendations made by English UK, Public Health England, the UK government (and US equivalents in New York)
  • If the situation continues, hand sanitisers will be provided in every classroom and dining hall. Compulsory hand-washing sessions will be in place for every student before and after every class, and before every meal
  • If the situation continues, no free time will be granted to students on excursions or at centres if we feel this creates any risk to students’ health

CLASSES, COURSEWORK AND ONLINE

Will you be offering online courses?
Oxford International Juniors has started delivering online courses through our Virtual Classroom programme and lessons will be delivered via Zoom. Our teachers are well prepared and are focused on the necessary skills to ensure our students continue to experience top-quality tuition.

How do I get set up on an online course?
For new students looking to enrol in The Virtual Classroom, please contact oijuniorprogrammes@oxfordinternational.com.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Should I travel to the UK?
There are no travel restrictions to the UK from any country or region in the world, yet the UK has instructed its residents to stay at home and has prohibited any non-essential travel, so travelling to the UK should be avoided at the moment.  Now the virus has affected almost all the countries in the world we ask students not to travel to the UK if they have been in contact with an infected person in the last 14 days. We also ask that they do not travel if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 in the 14 days before they are due to travel.

GROUP RESERVATIONS AND ALLOCATIONS

What is your cancellation policy?
To provide peace of mind, all group reservations and allocations at each centre are being maintained with no financial obligation from agents or parents for the time being. We are not requesting any deposit payments until 1st May, and no cancellation charges will apply before then. We will review and update these terms as the situation develops.

For countries where school closures may result in summer holidays starting later, we will be running a number of late summer centres. Many of these will continue until 11th September and we will be able to offer full summer programmes at these centres. For more details please download the brochure at the link below.

What is the advice for Year-Round Junior Groups?
If groups cannot travel due to a ban issued by government, the first option will be to reschedule the programme for later in 2020. At this time, any monies paid will be kept on your agency account and transferred over to the rearranged group. If the group decides not to travel once the ban has lifted, you will have the option to transfer any paid monies over to any other future bookings you have made. If no future bookings have been made at this time, we will be able to hold your money on your agency account for use against any future bookings. If the group insist on cancelling their trip entirely and not rearranging, we will provide a full refund barring any elements of the programme that may be non-refundable, e.g some hotel room bookings, entrance fees, etc. For elements of the programme that we cannot offer a refund, we advise that in this instance you submit a travel claim to your insurer. All cancellations should be made in writing and you will receive confirmation of cancellation by return. Programmes will not be cancelled unless we receive written communication from you.

GENERAL HEALTH FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS

What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus and how is it spread?
The symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a new and continuous cough
  • a high temperature (37.8 degrees or above)

Because it’s a new illness, it is not known exactly how it is spread but it is probably in water droplets transferred by coughing or sneezing.

I am displaying symptoms of coronavirus. What should I do?
Please do not come into College or go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The current medical advice is that you and anyone else in your household should stay at home for 14 days if you have either:

  • a new and continuous cough
  • a high temperature (37.8 degrees or above)

Use the 111 online Coronavirus service​ to find out what to do next. If you only have mild symptoms, you won’t be tested. If requested to stay at home, please inform the College.

If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For medical emergencies only, dial 999. 

What precautions should I take?
Please maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene. This advice includes:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.


I am being tested for, or have been diagnosed with coronavirus. What should I do?

Please do not come into College. Let us know as soon as possible and inform us as soon as you have the test results.

What do I do if I think either I or someone else has the coronavirus?
If you or someone else thinks they are displaying the symptoms of coronavirus, it is important to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Use the NHS111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.

In the event of a suspected staff case please inform your line manager and the HR team (HR@oxfordinternational.com).

I have recently returned from another country. What should I do?
The latest UK Government guidance is now asking that anyone who shows certain symptoms to stay at home (self-isolate) for seven days, regardless of whether they have travelled to affected areas.

If this affects you, please let (staff) your line manager know or (students) make your Senior Tutor aware.

The symptoms are defined as a high temperature (37.8 degrees and above) and a new, continuous cough.

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

What should I do if I believe I am particularly vulnerable?
Public Health England has advised that those particularly vulnerable include:

  • Those aged 70 and over
  • Those under 70 with an underlying medical condition(ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds)
  • Those who are pregnant

Public Health England advise those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures (see ‘What is social distancing?’).

We understand you may be concerned if you feel you are more vulnerable to the coronavirus than others (for example if you are in the categories listed above, or have vulnerable family members). If you are uncertain, members of staff should speak to their medical provider in the first instance, and students should speak to their college welfare lead.

The College will support you as much as possible. Vulnerable staff should work from home. If you are not able to carry out your role remotely, you will be granted special paid leave. This guidance also applies to people who live with and / or care for elderly people and people with vulnerable health conditions.

If you have any more questions, please contact hello@oxfordinternational.com.