UPDATED: 13 September 2021
OSAP is keeping abreast of the Covid-19 situation in the UK in a robust way, and is regularly passing updates to our students and partner programmes.
OSAP COVID-19 POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
OSAP aims to provide the most intensive and enriching experience possible for all of our students during the current disruption to overseas study. We encourage all applicants and current students to review the OSAP Covid-19 Policies and Guidelines document, linked below, which is updated regularly. Please note that all OSAP programmes for each term of the 2021-2022 Academic Year, including Summer 2022 terms, are continuing as planned, and online applications are open (www.osapabroad.com/apply).
OSAP Covid-19 Policies and Guidelines
In addition, current students, prospective students, parents/guardians and home university administrators may consult various updates, detailed below, which include the latest guidance from the University of Oxford as well as OSAP’s responses.
THE END OF LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND:
The British Government’s five-phase roadmap for ending Covid-19- related restrictions in England has now been implemented in full, with the most recent easing—and indeed ending—of restrictions occurring on 19th July:
19th July: All legal limits on social contact removed (the end of lockdown). There are currently no limits on social gatherings indoors or outdoors, and masks are no longer mandatory (although the British government advises that masks should still be worn on public transport and in supermarkets).
On 6th September, the University of Oxford issued the following statement (from https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/status):
“The University moved to Level 1 of the University’s Business Continuity Planning (BCP) framework on Monday 6 September 2021. The move to BCP 1 removed most COVID-19 restrictions that were previously in place at the University. It brings the University in line with Step 4 of the UK Government’s Roadmap, allowing for in-person learning and assessment wherever possible, a return to working on-site for all staff, and increased public access to University and college facilities.”
Moreover (from https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/students):
“[The University] will continue to focus on personalised teaching and supervision from leading academics, including tutorials and other types of small group learning, such as masters’ seminar groups.
In line with the latest UK Government guidance, we are planning to provide most teaching in-person in the new academic year, as normal. This will be enhanced by high-quality online resources and, in some instances, online teaching.
Face coverings will be required for in-person teaching of larger groups (unless you are exempt). They will not be expected in smaller group University teaching, seminars and classes.”
Accordingly, OSAP expects that in-person teaching for all students will resume by the start of the Michaelmas (Fall) term 2021. OSAP and college facilities will be available to all students throughout this time.
NB: Our partner colleges within the University of Oxford have advised us that all students should strive to be fully vaccinated by the time they arrive in England – this will allow OSAP students to avoid a lengthy quarantine period and participate fully in in-person events from the outset of their stay in Oxford. Nearly 90% of people in the in the UK aged over 16 have now had a vaccine.
Please note that international students are able to leave the UK at any time should they need to return to their home country for any reason. Students should contact the OSAP Office if they have country-specific questions regarding quarantine requirements.
As always, please inform the OSAP Office right away if you or any of your housemates have Covid symptoms. You will in such circumstances need to take a test as soon as possible so that we can coordinate an appropriate self-isolation regime for individual student properties.
TRAVEL ADVICE:
Travel to the UK from the USA or Canada* (updated 13 September 2021):
*If you are an OSAP student travelling to England from the EU, China or elsewhere, please contact us directly ([email protected]) for travel guidance specific to your journey.
Quarantine requirement waived in England for fully vaccinated visitors from the USA and EU (from 2 August 2021)
From https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england:
New amber list rules if vaccinated in Europe or the USA
From 2 August (4am), if you’re coming to England from an amber list country and have been fully vaccinated in the USA or Europe you will not have to quarantine or take a day 8 test on arrival.
The European countries that this rule applies to are:
EU countries
Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City
You must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine authorised by:
the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Europe
Swissmedic for Switzerland
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the USA
You must have had your final dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in England.
You must still book and take a day 2 test.
We have also been advised by our partner colleges within the University of Oxford that all students should strive to be fully vaccinated by the time they arrive in England – this will allow OSAP students to avoid quarantine (as above) and participate fully in in-person events from the outset of their stay in Oxford.
Prior to departing for the UK, all international arrivals must:
- Complete an online locator form to supply contact details, travel arrangements and your UK address (i.e., your OSAP student accommodation – this address will be provided by the OSAP Housing Office). This form can be submitted at any time within 48 hours of your departure. See https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
- Retain proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Please see this page for more information, and always check with your airline to make sure you have met their particular pre-departure requirements for your journey.
- Prior to your departure for the UK, book a Covid-19 test to on Day 2 after your arrival (these are in addition to your pre-departure test, mentioned above). This at-home test must be booked in advance (before your departure for the UK) using this online portal: https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type
In addition, if you are not exempt from quarantine (as above) you must also:
- In addition to the Day 2 test referenced above, book a Day 8 test using this online portal: https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type. This test must be booked in advance (before your departure for the UK).
Please contact OSAP at [email protected] should you have any questions about current travel requirements, or if you need assistance in any way as you plan your journey to Oxford.
Travel to the USA from the UK:
US authorities currently require all incoming travellers–including US citizens–from the United Kingdom to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the United States.
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD GUIDANCE:
The University of Oxford and its constituent colleges intend to make provisions for all students for the 2021-22 Academic Year.
Please consult this website, maintained and updated regularly by the University of Oxford, for useful coronavirus advice for University colleges, students, and staff.
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND GUIDANCE:
Public Health England and the UK Government have published these guidelines for anyone in any setting, chief among which is covering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing, disinfecting surfaces, and frequent and thorough hand-washing.
ALL OSAP TERMS ARE SCHEDULED TO CONTINUE ACCORDING TO THE DETAILS LISTED BELOW:
Academic Year 2021-22: Michaelmas Term 2021, Hilary Term 2022, Trinity Term 2022, and Summer 2022
All OSAP programmes for the 2021-22 Academic Year (Michaelmas Term 2021, Hilary Term 2022, and Trinity Term 2022) are scheduled to continue, and online applications are open.
FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Should you have further questions, please contact [email protected].