GCI Advisory to current and prospective students

ELE Ireland Advisory to Prospective Students

We have worked hard to make sure we provide a safe study environment for both students and staff. The health and safety of our students and staff is our utmost priority. Please read the following information carefully and the linked information regarding all current public health guidance from the Irish government so we can all protect ourselves and each other.

Ireland's response to COVID-19

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved rapidly and the Department of Health is leading the Government response to this national public health emergency and it, along with the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), is providing up to date information and advice on its website.

The advice and guidance for Ireland takes account of guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization, and decisions of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). An Expert Advisory Group (EAG), which includes experts in Public Health Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Control and Virology, has also been established to provide expert scientific advice. Exposure to COVID-19 is a public health risk which affects all citizens.

Know the Symptoms of COVID-19

Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause illness, ranging from mild to severe, and, in some cases, can be fatal. It can take anything from 2 days up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear and can be similar to the symptoms of cold and flu.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

● a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above).

● a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry.

● shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.

● Some people infected with the virus, so called asymptomatic cases, have experienced no symptoms at all.

For more Information about the symptoms and treatment of COVID-19 follow this HSE link and read carefully.

How does COVID-19 Spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 disease is spread in fluid and in droplets scattered from the nose or mouth of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or speak. The fluid or droplets land on objects and surfaces around the infected person. Other people contaminate their hands by touching these objects or surfaces and then bring the virus into contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth by touching them with their contaminated hands. Good hand hygiene and appropriate hand washing technique is important - see more on hand washing from the Health Executive Service in Ireland (HSE) here

COVID-19 can also spread if droplets from an infected person land directly on the mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth of a person standing close to them. This is one of the primary reasons that mask wearing has been introduced in public and private settings in Ireland including English language schools. In order to be effective, masks must be worn correctly and it is important not to reuse them. Masks must be washed or disposed of after a single use. See the HSE website for more details on best practice for face masks and coverings

It is still not known how long the virus survives on surfaces in different conditions. The period of survival may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature, or humidity of the environment). Studies indicate that it can persist on surfaces for hours and up to several days in the absence of effective cleaning. Thorough and regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is essential. If disinfection is required it must be performed in addition to cleaning, never as a substitute for cleaning.

While people are most likely to pass on the infection when they have symptoms, current information suggests that some infected people spread the virus to others prior to developing or displaying symptoms themselves.

Translated HSE Covid-19 Information

You can find translated Covid-19 information on the HSE website.

COVID-19 Government Guidelines / COVID-19 Resilienceand Recovery: ThePath Ahead

Please familiarise yourself with the ‘COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery:The Path Ahead’ And the current restrictions in place.

If, at any point, there are temporary regional or national lockdowns, it is possible that classes may have to move online. In that event, the classes :

• Will be conducted online via video meeting software
• Will follow a similar format as the face-to-face classes
• Will be of same total duration and lesson length
• Will have a maximum of 15 students per class
• Will be live interactive classes, taught by the same experienced and fully-qualified teachers.

Covid-19 School Safety Protocols

It is every student's responsibility to familiarise themselves with all sections of the GCI Student Guide and to comply with the advice given in conjunction with all Public Health advice from the Irish government.

Important takeaways:

• Face masks are mandatory inside the school building at all times. If you don't have a face mask yet, please try to organise one before your first class.
• Social distancing measures are in place inside the school building which must be followed.
• If you feel unwell or show any symptoms of Covid-19, you must stay at home and inform the school.
• Regularly wash and disinfect your hands.
• Ventilation is a key safety protocol - Students are reminded to dress in layers so they can adapt to temperature fluctuations

Covid-19 Self-Declaration Form

Before you go to the school you must complete a GCI Covid-19 Return to School Self-Declaration Form with your contact information. If you don't complete this form, we cannot let you enter the school. Should you have any questions or difficulties completing the form please contact us.

Staggered Class Times

To avoid crowding of students on arrival and departure, class times may be be staggered. This means you may either start your class at 08.45 am, 09.00 am, or 09.15 am. You must arrive on time for the start of your class. If you arrive 15 minutes earlier or 15 minutes late you may not be allowed to enter.

Attendance

Students are requested and strongly encouraged to attend 100% of classes to ensure successful academic outcomes in their studies. If you miss a class or if you are experiencing any other problem regarding attendance, you should always notify the school by emailing: attendance@gci.ie. If you have valid reasons for absence, e.g. verified illness with medical letter, your attendance record will not be affected

If you are absent for an extended period, you must resubmit the Covid-19 Return to School Self-Declaration Form.

Travelling to Ireland

Please see the dedicated section on Travelling to Ireland & Galway

COVID Tracker Mobile App

We strongly encourage everyone to download and use the official COVID Tracker mobile app. It is a free app which you can download here. The goal of the COVID Tracker app is to help to protect each other and to slow the spread of coronavirus in Ireland. The app will:

• alert you if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus,
• advise you on what to do to protect yourself and others, and
• alert other app users that you were in close contact with, if you test positive for coronavirus