INTRODUCTION
The world is currently facing one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century – the coronavirus pandemic, that has spread rapidly across the world since January 2020.
What is the impact of coronavirus on YOU – as a student, an individual, and as a member of the global community… and what part can YOU play in helping this community move through this event?
We are putting together some current information given by global experts.
What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 refers to a novel strain of the coronavirus that is highly contagious, with flu-like symptoms.
It first appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It has since spread to countries around the world including Italy and the European continent, Iran, South Korea, UK, USA, and so on, making it a pandemic. In March 2020, India too reported its first cases.
What are the symptoms?
Most cases are mild, with symptoms mainly including dry cough, fever, shortness of breath body ache.
A relatively low percentage of those who contract the virus experience severe symptoms including pneumonia and other respiratory problems, and death. Persons over 60 years of age, as well as persons with existing medical conditions, are more prone to severe cases of Covid-19.
How does it spread?
The virus is spread through droplets expelled by sick persons. It can survive on surfaces of different materials including plastic, metal, glass etc, for several hours.
Contact with the water droplets or with contaminated surfaces leads to infection.
Safety Measures
As governments and global health organizations race to contain the pandemic, there a number of things that you as a responsible individual can do to protect yourself and others.
The following tips to overcome the dangers of coronavirus are based on the advice of WHO and health experts.
1. Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds least, using soap and water, regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60% if not higher. These precautions will kill the virus if it contaminates your hand.
2. Avoid Touching Your Face
If the virus is on your hands, and you then touch your eyes, mouth or nose, it will find easy entry into your body. Avoid touching your face at all costs.
3. Practice Social Distancing
The best way to contain the spread of the virus, which is at present, the top priority, is to avoid close contact between persons.
This means that all individuals should confine themselves to their homes, and avoid visiting crowded or public places, using public transport, or socializing with anyone outside of their homes.
Several organizations have already asked their employees to work from home, and all colleges and schools have suspended classes.
If you have to venture outside, ensure that you take the necessary precautions.
4. Avoid Non-Essential Travel
As of right now, India has suspended all international travel. Several other countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand have travel restrictions in place as well.
In the coming weeks, if and when regulations are loosened to enable essential travel, avoid traveling abroad while the international situation remains uncertain.
5. In Case of Suspected Symptoms, Practice Self-Isolation
Everyone who returns to India from abroad is now being kept in mandatory quarantine i.e. isolation from others. If you have come in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive, alert the relevant authority in your state and isolate yourself for 14 days (or as per official advice).
6. Should I Wear a Mask?
Masks are most needed by individuals who are sick, and those who are in close contact with sick persons including household members, caregivers, and medical professionals.
However, if you are venturing into a public place for essential purposes, many do choose to wear a mask, as an additional safety measure.
However, it is essential that you do not stockpile masks as it would deplete necessary supplies for those who require it most.
7. Should I Stockpile Supplies?
While it is advised to keep essentials in your homes, including food and hygiene supplies – do not stockpile larger amounts than required, as you would deprive others, particularly those who are more vulnerable, from the essentials.
8. Practice Compassion
This is not an individual-level challenge, but a community and global-level one. We must start thinking along these lines in order to be compassionate and responsible citizens, ensuring that everyone gets through the challenge. Social distancing and avoiding selfish behaviors will help!
IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON YOUR STUDIES
As of right now, the situation regarding movement internationally, even later this year, remains unclear.
If you are considering or working toward going abroad for studies or work – we advise you to use this time to prepping for your goals, in responsible ways.
How is teaching/training being carried out?
Universities around the world have suspended in-person classes, and are continuing teaching via online mode.
Here at Hurray, we already have a working system in place, offering IELTS Online Training as well as PTE Online Training.
Our online model offers all the main services of classroom training, including practice-oriented training and mock tests, with a focus on giving constructive feedback and tackling problem areas – with the additional benefit of remote access.
Our trainers will provide you with all the tips you need to help you upskill independently – for further advice, you can also check out our blogs.
This means that you can continue working toward your desired score, from the safety of your home!
How can I get in touch with Hurray?
While you may not be able to visit our centers at Koramangala and Indiranagar, as safety precautions require, we are still available to assist you via email or phone.
Reach out to us at info@hurrayedutech.com or 8971357938, and we will be happy to answer any queries or concerns.
You can also visit our website www.hurrayedutech.com to learn more about our services.
What about the major entrance exams?
As the global situation develops, rapid changes to exam conduction are being made. These are the latest developments, for India.
PTE
In several countries across the world, PTE exams are being fully or partially suspended. In India, exams are currently under ‘Reduced Availability’ – this means fewer test dates/centers, or fewer candidates. However, this status is subject to change, as the situation in India develops.
In case of the cancellation of exams, the candidate will be informed via email. They will receive a full refund if they pay by credit/debit card. If they pay by a voucher, they will be able to re-use the voucher for a different date, subject to availability. They will have the option to re-book for a different date, subject to availability.
If the exam is not canceled, candidates are directed to practice discretion. They are advised not to go to the center if they are feeling ill or displaying symptoms.
Candidates who do come to the center will be expected to use the hygiene facilities made available, will have to sign an assurance that they do not have symptoms or have not had contact with anyone who does, and in certain cases, their temperature may be taken.
For more/updated information you can visit the Pearson | PTE Academics Website
IELTS
In India, IELTS has presently suspended testing only in Kottayam, Kerala. Testing will go ahead elsewhere in the country, with added safety and hygiene precautions, including the use of sanitizer and face masks.
Candidates who are experiencing symptoms/have come in contact with anyone who is sick are advised to contact the test center to discuss options of rescheduling, cancellation, and refunds.
For more/updated information you can visit the IELTS News Section
What if I was supposed to start my programme this year?
As of right now, there is no information available regarding programmes set to start from August-September 2020 onwards. This is due to the uncertainty of the long-term pandemic situation.
You are advised to refer to the university website for updates on the situation as it develops.
You are also advised to keep track of government regulations regarding international travel.
At present, the situation remains in development – no clear predictions can be made about the months to come. Governments and global health organizations are working toward solutions.
Our responsibility is to maintain the necessary safety measures and to wait and follow directions as the situation changes.
We wish you all a safe and happy time, as we move past this challenge together
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