The pandemic has altered people’s lives in both enormous and small ways.
My name is Verity and I have been writing the updates for both students and staff around the world for LanguageUK.
As you are aware last week 22nd March 2021 the UK government announced a plan to ease us out of lock down and Covid-19 restrictions. At last, we can see some light at the end of a very long tunnel and journey we all have been experiencing over the last year.
As a result of these measures, we feel we can now start to think about opening our doors to our staff and students.
We wish to assure you that safety measures will be in place. Risk assessments have been carried out throughout the year and we, carry out regular thorough cleaning, there will be a one-way system around the school, students and staff will be required to wear masks and social distancing will apply. The safety of our students, staff and homestay hosts is our priority.
From March 29th all our staff will be back in the school where possible and we shall welcome face to face courses alongside our current online courses, please watch out for further news of some of our exciting courses coming up for the season both online and face to face.
We are aware of the enormous difficulties in being able to come to England at present. Restrictions will still be in place and will be eased gently with the road map below. Quarantine regulations are still in force. Social activities will be limited. Therefore, we will begin our recovery with caution and with our marketing focused on late spring and summer onwards. We are luck here at LanguageUK to be able to provide residential accommodation for any students who wish to quarantine with us, and we provide a full service of help whilst you are with us.
The full UK government recovery roadmap can be viewed here.
In summary:
The Four Tests
Before taking each step, the Government will review the latest data on the impact of the previous step against four tests. The tests are:
- The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
- Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
- Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.
Step 1
8 March
- Schools and colleges are open for all students. Practical Higher Education Courses.
- Recreation or exercise outdoors with household or one other person. No household mixing indoors.
- Wraparound childcare.
- Stay at home.
- Funerals (30), wakes and weddings (6)
29 March
- Rule of 6 or two households outdoors. No household mixing indoors.
- Outdoor sport and leisure facilities.
- Organised outdoor sport allowed (children and adults).
- Minimise travel. No holidays.
- Outdoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents).
Step 2
At least five weeks after Step 1, no earlier than 12 April.
- Indoor leisure (including gyms) open for use individually or within household groups.
- Rule of 6 or two households outdoors. No household mixing indoors.
- Outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas.
- Libraries and community centres.
- Personal care premises.
- All retail.
- Outdoor hospitality.
- All children’s activities, indoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents).
- Domestic overnight stays (household only).
- Self-contained accommodation (household only).
- Funerals (30), wakes, weddings, and receptions (15).
- Minimise travel. No international holidays.
- Event pilots begin.
Step 3
At least five weeks after Step 2, no earlier than 17 May.
- Indoor entertainment and attractions.
- 30 persons limit outdoors. Rule of 6 or two households (subject to review).
- Domestic overnight stays.
- Organised indoor adult sport.
- Most significant life events (30).
- Remaining outdoor entertainment (including performances).
- Remaining accommodation.
- Some large events (expect for pilots) – capacity limits apply.
- Indoor events: 1,000 or 50%.
- Outdoor other events: 4,000 or 50%.
- Outdoor seated events: 10,000 or 25%.
- International travel – subject to review.
Step 4
At least five weeks after Step 3, no earlier than 21 June. By Step 4, the Government hopes to be able to introduce the following (subject to review):
- No legal limits on social contact
- Nightclubs
- Larger events.
- No legal limit on life events.
The Government’s objective is to see a safe and sustainable return to international travel, and when it is safe to do so the UK will again be the destination of choice for International visitors from around the world. Vaccinations could offer a route to that safe and sustainable return and the UK is working with other countries who have started similar programmes.
If you are looking for further information on Covid-19 in general or latest updates in Europe I urge you to check the officially sources:
European centre for disease prevention and control
At LanguageUK we are feeling positive that there is a recovery insight, and we are looking forward to the summer and autumn. We will continue to offer the best experience online or face to face in Canterbury.