Coronavirus Statement

Dear Students,

As the situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly developing, most notably in Italy, Iran and South Korea, I feel it necessary at this stage to give you a further update on EC’s position and to again ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of both you, our students, our teachers and the whole EC team.

We are no longer accepting students from affected regions (who have been home within the last 14 days) until further notice and we continue to brief all staff on COVID-19, its symptoms and advice on infection control. These specific regions are:

• Chinese nationals currently residing in China or students that have travelled to mainland China within the last 14 days
• Students who are residents of specific lockdown areas in Italy as designated by the Government of Italy
• Students who are residents of special care zones in South Korea as designated by the Government of the Republic of South Korea

We also have a protocol in place should ANY of our students or staff display symptoms for which immediate treatment is required. We must also re-iterate the importance of hand washing and covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing as per the World Health Organisation guidelines.

You will have noticed that all our schools have been stocked with antibacterial gel and disinfectant wipes. Computers and classrooms are being disinfected regularly, and signs have been posted throughout reminding staff and students how to stop the spread of germs.

I would like to recommend that you consider not travelling abroad during your course with EC (on holiday or weekend breaks) just in case you have difficulties in re-entering the country.

As I highlighted in previous communications, a great deal of ‘fake news’ is being circulated and we urge you to monitor only trusted and credible sources such as the WHO and CDC.

In terms of our school destinations, there are currently no confirmed cases in Ireland, Malta, New Zealand or South Africa. In our remaining four destinations we are seeing the following ratios, which are clearly still extremely small numbers:

As I have previously stated, in the spirit of what we do at EC and what we do across our industry, we seek not to prejudice our student population but embrace the diversity we see across all our schools. This is a very important point that we have reiterated to our entire student body as well as to our host families, other accommodation providers and all other partners.

While we are hopeful this situation will be imminently brought under control, we will of course continue to monitor the situation closely and frequently and will continue to track updates. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your EC representative.

I’m sure you’ll join me in sending positive thoughts and hopes to all the affected citizens of our global community and we stand side by side with them in this battle against sickness and fear.

Many thanks,

Andrew Mangion, CEO

Updated 28 February, 2020