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East Asia - Covid-19 update – 21 September 2020

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 

South Korea: All schools and kindergartens will reopen from 21 September 2020. About 40% of universities are now delivering full remote classes.

Thailand: On 4 September, Thailand reported the first case of locally transmitted case of Covid-19 in over 100 days. There have not been further reports on wider spreading.

China: China restored classroom teaching at all levels for the fall semester.

Hong Kong: In light of the improvement of the third wave of Covid-19 in HK, schools will be able to resume face-to-face classes in phases from 23 September.

 

China 

Updated 18 September

China restored classroom teaching at all levels for the fall semester

China's Ministry of Education (MoE) has required efforts to fully restore normal classroom teaching at all schools and universities across the country with effective pandemic control measures in place.  

Thirty provincial-level regions have issued plans for resuming on-site schooling for the fall semester, with the Xinjiang autonomous region still allowing only online classes until the recent outbreak of COVID-19 infections eases at the end of August. Kindergarten, primary and secondary schools were expected to welcome students in staggered time slots from 15 August to 10 October, while universities were allowing students to return on different schedules from late August to early October. 

The MoE also advised, after the new semester begins, the schools should keep records of the health of every student, even if they show no symptoms of illness. 

By the end of August, the MoE and the National Health Commission also issued a guideline on Covid-19 control and prevention for all universities, primary schools and kindergartens, to facilitate their reopening for the coming September. According to the guidelines, all teachers, students and staff from low-risk areas must present a green health code to be able to return to school, those from medium-risk or high-risk areas will need to have a negative result in a nucleic acid test in the week before their return to campuses. University staff and students will not be required to wear masks on campuses. But students and staff entering campuses should have their body temperature checked and their health code scanned.  

While welcoming students back to the campuses, a number of universities recently have announced to shorten the holiday for the coming National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival as students are encouraged not to leave the campus for nonessential travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

As one of China's two "Golden Weeks", this year's National Day holiday runs from 1 to 8 October. Many universities across the country have followed suit to curtail the combined eight-day holiday and extend the winter vacation to make up for the shortened holiday. MoE also advised that students and faculty members are being encouraged not to leave the campus for nonessential travel and avoid mass gathering activities. 

According to official sources, China is now accepting visa applications from nationals of 13 Asian countries in addition to 36 European countries (including the UK) at Chinese embassies / consulates overseas. However, it should be noted that most international students and staff who are currently overseas are not yet allowed to return to the country without special permission. Schools and universities may submit applications for key staff to return which are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

China’s National Education Examinations Authority (NEEA) has rescheduled the College English Test (CET 4 and 6) from 13 June to two separate time slots on 11 July and 19 September. Some provincial-level education departments will offer tests on both of these dates, while others have chosen to only offer tests in September. This might impact graduating students, as these tests are graduation requirements for students on all degree courses.  

Comment by British Council International Education Services

UK institutions working with Chinese partners or recruiting Chinese students should be aware of current study arrangements in the country. For TNE providers, close discussions with partners are encouraged to support preparations for reopening of campuses and continued delivery of short term solutions including online delivery where campuses remain closed.    

Sources:  

http://www.moe.gov.cn/fbh/live/2020/52320/sfcl/ 

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202009/14/WS5f5ef81ca3101ccd0bee0356.html 

 

Hong Kong  

Updated 20 September

Public Events and Social Distancing 

Hong Kong reported 0 local Covid-19 cases on 16 September and four imported, the first day with no local cases since the end of June. The government also announced that it would continue its phased approach to relaxing social distancing measures as follows, taking effect from Friday 18 September:  

  • Mandatory mask wearing in the majority of public places remains in place, as does the ban on public gatherings of more than four people.   

  • More scheduled premises can re-open, including bars, theme parks, swimming pools etc.  

  • Restaurant dining hours will be extended until midnight, but still only four-to-a-table. 

Compulsory 14-day quarantine measure 

The 14-day quarantine measure will be extended to 07 July for travellers from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan, and to 18 September for arrivals from overseas. Non-residents flying from other foreign countries are still not permitted to enter the city indefinitely. 

Schools

Local schools have started the new term since 01 September with delivery of online lessons only. In light of the improvement of the third wave of Covid-19 in HK, schools will be able to resume face-to-face classes in phases from 23 September.

Education Bureau to relax the cap on local students at international curriculum schools in Hong Kong  

Hong Kong education officials have agreed to temporarily relax rules requiring international schools to have at least 70 per cent non-local students, as operators struggle to meet the target with more expatriate families leaving the city amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The new policy aims to maintain international curriculum schools’ stable development and the city’s status as a global financial and trading hub. 

HKDSE Exam 2021

Hong Kong government has announced a decision to postpone next year’s Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examinations by one month. The written exams are now scheduled to take place between 23 April and 17 May 2021 with candidates to receive their results on 21 July. The decision has been made due to concerns from students and teachers about grade attainment due to the suspension of face-to-face classes during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Oral tests for both English and Chinese language exams will be cancelled in order to minimise the risk of person to person infection. Other new changes such as school-based assessments for nine elective subjects (e.g. Chinese and English Literature, History) will be dropped and five subjects have been streamlined.  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. 

Local Universities 

Local publicly funded universities have suspended face-to-face teaching and switched to online for the Spring Term of the 2019/20. Many final exams have been set to be conducted online. Local student unions have urged universities to ensure assessments be fair and accessible to all students, in particular, those who are from vulnerable families (given the difficulties of online learning). Some options e.g. ‘late withdrawal’ and ‘pass-fail’ options have been commonly used amongst local universities. The latter means students would not receive letter grades and have the grades to be calculated towards their overall GPA. Currently, it has been offered by the University of Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology, and Education University.  

According to local universities’ announcements regarding the arrangements for the Summer Term on their websites, with the situation of Covid-19 in HK being improved gradually, some local universities set to arrange face-to-face make-up classes for the summer. Meanwhile, due to social-distancing and travel restrictions imposed by the government, they plan to arrange online teaching at the same time for the new academic year to cater for latecomers from the mainland or abroad.    

Source: 

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3094599/most-hong-kong-universities-resume-online-classes-coming 

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.

Travel restrictions in summary

  • Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into HK 

  • HK residents and valid HK visa holders must be self-isolated for 14 days after returning home   

  • Transit flight services at Hong Kong International Airport resumed from 01 June 

Sources:   

Macau

Updated 21 September

No major updates.

Contact: Anna Lee anna.lee@britishcouncil.org.hk or Karen Hsu  karen.hsu@britishcouncil.org.hk  

  

Indonesia

Updated 18 September

Governor of Jakarta has decided to re-introduce large scale social restrictions as the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise. Jakarta has experienced and recorded an alarming rate of new COVID-19 clusters over the past weeks. Schools, offices and public places all will be closed – except for essential services.  

Source

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/04/08/jakarta-will-impose-stronger-mobility-restrictions-on-friday-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html 

Schools and Universities

The government plans to roll out a new education scheme that will simplify the curriculum and address existing hindrances to remote learning, which has been in place because of the COVID-19 crisis. The Education and Culture Minister has said that the streamlined scheme could entail the reallocation of school operational aid (BOS) to internet packages for students and teachers.   

Sources:

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/08/03/govt-plans-to-roll-out-new-scheme-to-address-curriculum-remote-learning-hindrances.html  

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/16/indonesia-to-allow-phased-reopening-of-schools-in-covid-19-green-zones-minister.html  

State and private universities continue with classes either online or in person based on government directives.     

Source:  

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/07/05/online-university-courses-to-become-next-normal-for-students-jokowi-says.html   

Travel requirements

The Visa Application Centre in Jakarta is open from 16 September (in addition to the VACs at Bali and Surabaya). The VACs in Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya will operate under strict physical distancing measures and guidelines as per local authorities. 

Sourcehttps://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/id/en/news/information-about-the-uk-vac-in-indonesia 

The national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to open direct flights to Denpasar, Bali, from the United States, France and India as part of initiatives to boost the country’s tourism that has been battered by the pandemic.   

Sourcehttps://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/07/07/garuda-plans-to-open-direct-flights-to-bali-from-us-france-india-to-boost-tourism.html   

State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura (AP) II plans to increase the number of available flight slots and normalize its operational hours in July, as it seeks to spur the recovery of the aviation industry that has been severely impacted by the ongoing health crisis.   

Sourcehttps://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/07/07/airport-operator-to-increase-flight-slots-normalize-operational-hours.html   

There has been a significant increase in the number of passengers for domestic and international flights, after the government relaxed restrictions on air travel. A recently issued Transportation Ministry circular allowed an increase in the number of passengers to 70 percent of the aircraft capacity, up from the previous 50 percent.     

Sourcehttps://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/12/ap-ii-sees-passenger-numbers-surge-as-travel-restrictions-ease.html#:~:text=State%2Downed%20airport%20operator%20Angkasa,Transportation%20Ministry%20circular%20letter%20no    

Public events

Large scale public gatherings are not allowed.  

British Council Activity

British Council staff continue to work from home. 

Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my 

 

Japan 

Updated 17 September

Latest news

  • Across the country the cumulative totals now to 76,448 and the death toll stays as to 1,461 and we can see that the second wave which stroke Japan is gradually declining. 

  • Tokyo lowered its COVID-19 alert status to the second highest level on September 10th, reflecting the fact that the number of new cases continued to drop.  

  • Go to Travel Campaign launched in July is a subsidy campaign for domestic tourist trips but at the time of launching the government made the decision to exclude travel to and from Tokyo and by residents of the capital in response to a spike in infections then. But reflecting the Tokyo Government’s decision of lowering the alert on September 10th, the Japanese Government is now considering including Tokyo to the list for this Campaign. The decision will be made at the end of September, with the advice from New Corona Infectious Disease Control Subcommittee under the Cabinet Secretariat. 

  • As of August 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has additionally issued an infectious disease information level of Level 3 (travel advisory) to 13 countries on top of 146 countries and territories already issued around the world (travel advisory) and Level 2 (travel advisory) to all countries and territories, except for Level 3 countries and territories. 

  • In light of this situation, the Ministry of Education (MEXT) strengthened their message towards  Japanese students who have been planning to study abroad to reconsider their trip and not to go to countries and regions that have a level 3 infectious disease risk information, as well as to study in countries and regions that have a level 2 infectious disease risk information rating.  

  • On 28th August 2020, the Government of Japan announced its decision that all foreign nationals with the status of residence who have left and will leave Japan before 31st August 2020 with a valid re-entry permit, are now eligible to re-enter Japan from 1st September 2020. 

Public Events

  • Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura announced on September 11th that Japan is preparing to relax restriction on attendance number of events.  

  • From September 19th until end of November, the capacity ratio requirement will be relaxed to 100% for events with low risk of infection (such as classical music concerts, etc.). Other events (rock concerts, sporting events, etc.) should be limited to 50% or less including professional sport games. The maximum number of persons can exceed 5,000 but should not exceed 50% of the total number of persons permitted. 

  •  Stricter restrictions can be imposed by the prefectural governor, depending on the status of infection in the region. In addition, organizers of large-scale events (over 1,000 participants) should consult with each prefectural government in advance, and each prefectural government should make an appropriate decision on how to hold individual events, depending on the infection situation and the nature of the event 

  •  This will be reviewed again in December, based on the status of the infection and the implementation of the event.   

Schools and Universities 

  • The Ministry of Education (MEXT) announced on 21st July 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 out of the country. Most of the countries including UK, USA, Canada and even NZ are listed in Level 3, among the highest-ranking countries. The Japanese Universities are making their decision aligned to this Government’s announcement and all the official exchange programs are being pended. The official scholarships are also being pended and students who were to receive the government funded scholarships are kept waiting. 

  • The above announcement was revised on 26th August and their message has been tightened. The students had been recommended strongly not to go study abroad at this moment. 

  • On the other hand, the government has decided to ease restrictions on international students entering Japan by the end of the month. They are considering starting from accepting government-sponsored students, for whom the Japanese government provides tuition and other expenses, and then expanding it to include privately funded students depending on the situation. 

British Council Activities

We are keen to support your continued engagement with Japan and are exploring alternative ways to profile institutions and to help you connect with prospective students and their families.  

A Pre-Departure Information webinar was held in July to inform the Japanese students about current UK university status. We received attendees from all over Japan and there is still the same level of interest to UK as before Covid 19. But considering the government announcement, some good number of students seem to be thinking of postponing their study to next year. 

Contact  

Tomoko Kawakita, Head of Education, British Council Japan - tomoko.kawakita@britishcouncil.or.jp  

 

Malaysia  

Updated 19 September

Government Response

On 28 August the Malaysian government announced that the Recovery Movement Control Order (previously scheduled to end on 31 August) is extended till 31 Dec 2020. This is part of on-going efforts to keep the spread of the Covid-19 contained after new clusters were identified. Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/08/620307/rmco-extended-until-dec-31-says-pm-muhyiddin  

After an increase in Covid-19 cases in some clusters, the government has re-introduced the mandatory quarantine at government appointed hotels and quarantine centres instead of the quarantine at home provision which was previously allowed. Source:  https://studymalaysia.com/education/top-stories/guidelines-for-international-students-returning-to-malaysia 

The government had earlier stared that visitors from countries with more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases will not be allowed to enter Malaysia – the list of countries announced includes UK. Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-to-ban-entry-of-citizens-from-countries-with-more-than-150000-covid-19-cases 

This restriction has now been relaxed for expatriates and professional visit pass holders coming into Malaysia. Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-relaxes-entry-ban-on-expats-professional-pass-holders-from-23-countries 

Public Events

The restricted movement order remains in place for large-scale events. Health authorities in Malaysia have advised against organising major public events. However, activities that do not draw large gatherings or close contact are now allowed under certain conditions.      

Schools and Universities

The Ministry of Higher Education has announced that higher education institutions may re-open by October 2020. As per the Ministry’s announcement 30% of private higher education institutions could start returning to campuses from July onwards. Students at public universities are now allowed to return to campuses as per a staggered plan for announced categories of students. International students coming to Malaysia now allowed to enter and join their institutions.    

Malaysian students who are offer holders or must sit for exams at international institutions around the world are now allowed to leave the country with due documentation for immigration purposes.     

Sources

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/08/higher-education-campuses-to-fully-reopen-in-october    

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/06/26/immigration-dept-malaysian-students-permanent-residents-overseas-can-exit-c/1879166    

Schools opened with operating procedures such as maximum 20 students to a class, students seated at a distance from each other and other social distancing measures in place on campus. The Ministry of Education released the amended school academic calendar on 23 June for the current year. There is a reduction in the number of mid-semester holidays and the year-end holidays – the calendar has been amended to support teaching and learning for the current year.      

Sources

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/602962/back-school     

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/23/education-ministry-releases-amended-2020-school-academic-calendar#cxrecs_s     

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/24/spm-stpm-takers-say-yes-to-shorter-school-holidays#cxrecs_s     

Travel Restrictions

The government had earlier stared that visitors from countries with more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases will not be allowed to enter Malaysia – the list of countries announced includes UK. Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-to-ban-entry-of-citizens-from-countries-with-more-than-150000-covid-19-cases  

International students are  allowed to enter Malaysia and resume their studies at Malaysian institutions. Malaysian offer holder students or those waiting to sit for exams at international universities can now do so provided they have the required documentation for immigration clearances.     

Source

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/06/26/immigration-dept-malaysian-students-permanent-residents-overseas-can-exit-c/1879166    

 Returning Malaysians and non-citizens permitted to enter the country will once more be made to undergo mandatory two-week quarantine at specified quarantine centres. The government has decided to revoke the allowance for those entering the country to self-quarantine at home.   

Sources

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/535396  

https://studymalaysia.com/education/top-stories/guidelines-for-international-students-returning-to-malaysia  

British Council Activities

British Council staff are mostly working from home. The slight relaxation of the movement control order has allowed a few selected teams to be in the office with strict social distancing measures in place.  

Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my    

 

Singapore 

Updated 18 September

Singapore is now in Phase two of the three-phased approach for the relaxation of the ‘circuit-breaker’ and related social distancing measures in the post Covid-19 environment.      

Phase One:  Phase 1 featured resumption of selected services and the staggered re-opening of schools.     

Phase Two:  Singapore is now in Phase 2 which began on 19 June. Since 29 June onwards, all students have begun attending daily face-to-face lessons. Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) had also gradually increased the number of students back on campus for face-to-face learning, and are preparing for the commencement of the new academic year.      

Most businesses have resumed, although working from home is strongly encouraged wherever possible. All safe management practices remain in place. Social gatherings are permitted in groups of five. This Phase is expected to continue for 2-3 months, before the final Phase 3.      

Phase Three: Phase three will feature limited size gatherings, seniors being allowed to resume day-to day activities under measures of physical distancing among other practices of risk mitigation.      

Source

https://www.gov.sg/article/safe-re-opening-how-singapore-will-resume-activities-after-the-circuit-breaker     

The Ministry of Health has assessed that there are several countries/regions where the virus situation is well under control and the risk of importation is low. Border measures have been updated, and the changes will be with effect from 1 September 2020,  for all travellers entering or departing Singapore.  

Current border restrictions will be lifted to allow the entry of visitors from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand into Singapore. Travellers entering Singapore and who have remained in either Brunei Darussalam or New Zealand in the last consecutive 14 days prior to their entry will not be required to serve a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN). Instead, they will undergo a Covid-19 test upon arrival at the airport and only be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore after receiving a negative test result.  

For travellers arriving from selected countries/regions designated as ‘low risk’, the SHN duration will be shortened from the current 14 days to 7 days. Furthermore, these travellers will be permitted to serve the SHN at their place of residence. These countries/regions are Australia (excluding Victoria State), Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and  Malaysia. The Covid-19 test will continue to be administered before the end of the 7-day SHN.  

Source

https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/updates-on-border-and-community-measures  

Educational institutions  

The Institutes of Higher Learning have been observing the following approaches since June:      

  • Polytechnic Institutions: lectures continue to be delivered online; students are allowed on campus for only lab and practical work.       
  • Institutes of Technical Education:  students rotate weekly between online and on-campus learning.      

Source

https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/arrangements-for-schools-and-institutes-of-higher-learning-at-the-end-of-circuit-breaker      

https://www.moe.gov.sg/addressing-top-covid-19-concerns      

The six autonomous Universities in Singapore have offered an additional 2000 places this year, some of which would go to Singaporean students whose overseas study plans have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to polytechnic diploma holders who had intended to join the workforce, but are now opting to study because of the limited job market.     

Source: 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/2000-more-university-places-offered-this-year-amid-coronavirus-pandemic    

Universities are currently preparing for the new academic year, and online orientation programmes have begun.   

Source:  

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/universities-hold-virtual-orientation-programmes-for-incoming-students   

The focus is largely on employability of new graduates who would soon be entering the workforce. The SG United Traineeship Programme aims to create up to 21,000 trainee opportunities for graduating cohorts of the ITE, polytechnics and universities.     

Source

https://www.wsg.gov.sg/SGUnitedTraineeships-Trainees.html     

The IHLs are also offering new courses and professional qualifications to boost graduates’ employability by enhancing their skills and versatility. The ITE has entered into a three-year partnership with LinkedIn to teach students how to brand and market themselves to potential employers.      

Sources

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/polys-ite-universities-to-offer-courses-to-boost-graduates-employability     

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/help-for-ite-students-to-market-themselves   

Travel advisory 

From Saturday 19 September onwards, people arriving from Singapore to UK will be exempt from the need to quarantine for two weeks.   

Source

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thailand-and-singapore-added-to-travel-corridor-exempt-list-for-england 

The advisory for students has been updated to allow travel for studies for students pursuing academic qualification overseas, and where distance-learning is not offered as an option by the education institution. Overseas studies should be of at least one academic year, for courses which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution, and which will lead to attainment of academic qualifications. Existing students who are completing such academic programs (i.e. balance duration of less than an academic year) are included. 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/news-highlights/details/updates-on-border-and-community-measures  

Public events

Non-essential public gatherings remain prohibited. There is some relaxation for activities like worship, weddings with a limit to number of people being five or ten for different activities as per government rules.      

Source: 

https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/end-of-circuit-breaker-phased-approach-to-resuming-activities-safely 

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 17 September

The country has another severe COVID-19 outbreak. The government imposed the Level 2.5 Social Distancing Scheme in the capital area for two weeks in late August, then decided to lower the level to 2, starting from 14 September. Other regions have also adopted the Level 2 Social Distancing Scheme. Indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned in principle. So-called risk-prone facilities, including clubs, PC cafes, and buffets, have been ordered to shut down.[1] 

Schools

All schools and kindergartens in the capital area will reopen from 21 September, maintaining the attendance capped at 1/3 in elementary and middle schools and 2/3 in high schools. The attendance cap will apply for all institutions across the nation for two weeks after the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday, from 28 Sep to 11 October.[2] 

Higher Education

About 40% of universities have provided full remote classes during the Level 2.5 Social Distancing Scheme, and are planning to gradually switch to a blended approach with more face-to-face classes after the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday.[3] 

Sources:  

KCDC (Korean government’s official website for Covid-19) 

[1] New virus cases under 200 for 2 weeks; marked slowdown still not in sight, Yonhap News, 16 September 2020 

[2] Schools in greater Seoul area to reopen next week, Yonhap News, 15 September 2020 

[3] 전면 비대면 수업 대학 64개교 감소, University News Network, 17 September 2020 

Contact: Heather Eom  sunhyun.eom@britishcouncil.org

Taiwan

Updated 14 September

  • Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus upon 14 Sept leaving the total number of cases at 498 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 announces eight public venues where mask-wearing is compulsory 

Most public large events like exhibition or show are currently open but various events and activities are requested to wearing the masks, and some will still maintain temperature measures and alcohol spraying when entering the venue. 

Schools and Universities

The Central Epidemic Command Center announced since March that students and teachers at senior and junior high schools as well as elementary schools around Taiwan. Ministry of Education announced international students travel opens to the low risk countries.  

  • New term for Secondary school level starts on Monday 31 August. The new term for Higher Education starts on 14 Sept.  

  • The Ministry of Education Allows the Return of Graduating Students from Outside 19 Countries/Regions to the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Study from July 22 

  • For information on the MoE of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Taiwan, please visit the News Updates on Ministry of Education Taiwan website at https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html 

Travel Restrictions in summary

  • Taiwan to allow foreign nationals to apply for non-tourist entry  
  • All eligible passengers entering Taiwan must undergo 14 days of home quarantine 
  • Beginning on June 29, Taiwan allows foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan for reasons other than tourism to apply for a special entry permit with a Taiwan representative office overseas. British citizens in the UK may contact the Taipei Representative Office in London (TRO in London) 
  • 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. 
  • Upon entry, Taiwan requires all foreign nationals to present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of boarding the flight to Taiwan and undergo a 14-day home quarantine period. The following visitors may be exempted from negative COVID-19 test:  personnel on diplomatic or official business, migrant workers, students, those coming to Taiwan for emergency situations, and crew members on vessels arriving in Taiwan.  More information can be found here.
  • Passengers are allowed to transit through the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with the following restrictions: 1) flights from and to China are excluded; 2) transit passengers must fly with China Airlines, EVA Air, or Cathay Pacific and must fly with the same carrier in and out of Taiwan; 3) transit passengers must leave Taiwan within eight hours.  More information can be found here.
  • Any traveler arriving from outside Taiwan and granted entry are subject to a 14-day home quarantine. They will be required to complete a health declaration form and accurately provide their travel and contact history. 
  • Short-term business travellers may apply for a shortened period of home quarantine. More information can be found here.
  • The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced four automatic 30-day extensions, extending the total period of stay to a maximum of 180 days, for foreigners entering Taiwan on or before March 21 with visa waiver, visitor visa, or landing visa. No application is required.  More information can be found here.
  • 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://www.cdc.gov.tw/En 

https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5691-aa1c3-2.html 

https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/index.html 

https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html 

Contact: Diane Hsu, diane.hsu@britishcouncil.org.tw  

  

Thailand 

Updated 17 September

Thailand has extended an emergency decree imposed from 26 March to the end of September. Permission of international inbound flights is being reviewed by the government to welcome international tourists to Thailand. The Thai government has just approved the policy to welcome long-stay tourists to Thailand with a special tourist visa. They will still have to quarantine for 14 days but will be able to stay in Thailand for a total of 90 days including the quarantine period. 

On 4 September, Thailand reported the first case of locally transmitted case of Covid-19 in over 100 days. There have not been further reports on wider spreading. 

Schools, universities and public events

  • On 7 April 2020, with the approval from the cabinet, Ministry of Education announced schools in Thailand to defer the start of the first semester of academic year 2020 from 16 May to 1 July 2020. On 8 May, the Ministry announced that it plans for the first semester to be run on 1 July – 13 November 2020, and the second semester on 1 December 2020 – 9 April 2021. This will result in 17-day and 37-day school breaks, respectively. 

  • 1 July is the first date schools and universities are reopened. The situation is being closely monitored by the government to prevent the second wave of the outbreak.  

  • According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation's recent announcement on 12 August, universities are allowed to open for face-to-face teaching. However, some universities might offer blended learning. Activities that have many people gathering together, e.g. orientation, should still be avoided. 

  • Key information including the term dates of key universities are on the IES site https://education-services.britishcouncil.org/news/market-news/east-asia-covid-19-update-%E2%80%93-26-june-2020  

British Council’s operation

Face to face English classes have been resumed since 1 July 2020. The current situation for IELTS is that paper-based and computer-delivered tests are running as scheduled. We have re-designed our test layouts to ensure that test takers and staff maintain a one metre separation at all times.  For more information please visit https://www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/exam/covid-19-updates 

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: 17 September

Vietnam has got 15 days without any positive cases in the community. However, in key cities like Hanoi, face to face events are still required to limit to maximum 30 people. 

Yesterday, Vietnam government pushed back the plan to resume international flights to some countries in the region to an unconfirmed date as authorities continue to work on COVID-19 prevention measures.

British Council IELTS examination services have been resumed at almost all localities in Vietnam, except Danang city in the central of Vietnam as Danang was the hotspot of the second wave of Covid-19 recently.

Travel restrictions:

Vietnam Government currently only allows foreign experts and investors to enter Vietnam and they will have to follow the quarantine rules. Vietnam Airlines have organised about 100 rescue flights to repatriate Vietnamese citizens who are stranded abroad due to Covid-19. Some foreign students from Laos have been allowed to enter Vietnam to continue their study. All of them were required to quarantine at centralized quarantine camps.  

British Council’s operation: our activities are open to normal. 

Our Study UK team organised an online pre-departure briefing for Vietnamese students on 25 August, with the attendance of more than 100 students and their parents. Please access this link if you want to watch the recorded webinar: https://youtu.be/wKG24URFt1Y

Source

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/771696/pm-asks-for-vigilance-against-covid-19.html 

Contact: Senior Education Services Manager, Lien Ta, lien.ta@britishcouncil.org.vn