Updated Novel Coronavirus Advice
Updated Novel Coronavirus Advice 17/04/2020
Professor Sheila Owen-Jones CEO Metanoia Institute
Dear Staff /Student,
I hope you had a pleasant Easter weekend and that you are keeping safe and well.
The Institute in common with the higher education sector, is following Government instruction, advice from the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) concerning what must happen during the continuation of the lockdown period, relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
After consultation with the Board of Trustees and Senior Staff the decision has been taken to continue with our online teaching/training/clinic until 29th May (no teaching that week-end) and if possible to consider a phased return to the Institute on 1st June, 2020. This proposed timeframe will be reviewed regularly, in line with Government direction.
Our online teaching delivered through Moodle and Zoom is working remarkably well and I wish to thank you for your great effort in making this possible. Our aim is for the teaching and learning to continue with the minimum of disruption and for students to participate in online teaching activities, during normal teaching hours. I am hoping the time we spend together can continue to be productive if we support each other at this difficult time.
The Institute is moving all examinations and vivas online to enable students to complete the academic year in the normal timeframe. Students will be fully supported on how to use the online platform and helped to prepare for their online examination. Students will also receive detailed feedback and support from their Tutors and Programme Leaders. If a student is unable or unwilling to take their examination online they will have an opportunity for a face to face viva at a later date. Support will be given to staff to enable the online examination process to work professionally and without detriment to the student.
All other work in the Institute is ongoing. Our new PGCert HE Validation with Middlesex University (MDX) will take place on 27th April as will the continued accreditation of the DCPsych by Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) on the 15th May 2020.
The Institute’s priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, students, clients and their family members. We look forward to returning to normal teaching/training as soon as possible.
My good wishes,
Professor Sheila Owen-Jones
CEO Metanoia Institute
Updated Novel Coronavirus Advice 30/03/2020
Professor Sheila Owen-Jones CEO Metanoia Institute
“At the end of our first week of placing all of our teaching and administration online, I want to say to you, your response has been wonderful. For a small organisation with not a sophisticated infrastructure, to get everything working in this way, has been amazing. I want to thank you for adapting so well, to the new way of working.
We want our staff and students to stay safe in these challenging times. So keep in touch by checking your Metanoia Institute emails and though social media, because further updates will be relayed to you concerning assignments, examinations and Vivas”.
Updated Novel Coronavirus Advice 30/03/2020
We hope our community has been able to stay safe and to stay at home, where possible.
Metanoia Institute is continuing to support all our students with their studies with the minimum of disruption during this unusual reading week.
Since moving our teaching online via Zoom we are pleased with the very positive feedback from our students and staff. Our digital pedagogy is evolving as we look at further innovative digital teaching methods and we are delighted with the start of this process.
Our previous notice to close the institute building until 17th April remains, but will be continually reviewed in line with Public Heath England (PHE) advice. Further information from PHE can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
Metanoia Institute is continuing to function as usual during this time:
Metanoia Institute Counselling and Psychotherapy Service (MCPS) has now moved online
Our low-cost clinic has now moved online and continues to offer a much-needed service to the community. MCPS therapists are working professionally and creatively in finding solutions to continue seeing clients online.
Open Events and Applications Process
We are in the process of reviewing how we should deliver our open and taster events programme. Currently, we anticipate running some future Open Events through online platforms. These dates will be posted in due course.
We are determined that our application process should continue as close to normal as possible. While you would typically need to attend both a certificate course and an introductory weekend before you can be interviewed for a place on our courses, we are changing this to enable prospective students to proceed with an application.
Please apply online. Your application will be reviewed and you will be offered an online interview with the programme leader for your chosen course. Please note, Metanoia Institute is usually oversubscribed. Once all offers for 2020/21 have been made, we will start a waiting list for entry in September 2021.
Further Updates
Further updates on the Institute’s response to this situation will be made on the website here: http://metanoia.ac.uk/updated-novel-coronavirus-advice/. This page will be continuedly be updated with further student-focused updates available on the student portal on Moodle.
Metanoia Institute expresses thanks to all our NHS colleagues working on behalf of us all during these times.
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Updated Novel Coronavirus Advice Updated 17/03/2020 3pm.
The Institute in common with the higher education sector, is making some important changes in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
After consultation with the Board of Trustees and Senior Staff the decision has been taken to close the Institute buildings from 19th March to the 17th April 2020. This time period will be continually be reviewed in line with Public Heath England (PHE) advice. Further information from PHE can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
The intention is to provide online teaching delivered through Moodle and Zoom. Staff and Students will be supported with online guidance to facilitate these adjustments. Further updates on the Institute’s response to this situation will be made on the website here: http://metanoia.ac.uk/updated-novel-coronavirus-advice/.
The period of closure covers the planned ‘reading week’ and Easter. While we are suspending face to face teaching, we are expecting students to be able to continue their studies with the minimum of disruption, by participating in the online teaching activities, during normal teaching hours. I am hoping the time we spend together, can still be productive if we support each other at this difficult time.
Professor Sheila Owen-Jones CEO Metanoia Institute
“My message to staff and students is to check your emails daily, because regular updates will be taking place. The Institute’s aim is to minimise disruption wherever possible and to help support you in the best way possible.”
The Institute’s priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, students, clients and their family members. We look forward to returning to normal teaching/training as soon as possible.
Coronavirus Statement 12/03/2020
The following message is for students who may have concerns about the novel coronavirus.
We encourage everyone to read this information carefully and to follow the instructions given.
Public Health England (PHE) has advised that the current risk to the public is moderate. PHE are working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international partners to keep the situation under constant review and have issued advice to the NHS. It is important to stress that UK public health measures are world-leading and the NHS is well prepared to manage and treat new diseases. The NHS has been carefully monitoring the situation in Wuhan and other affected areas for some time and is ready to treat patients and put in place proportionate, precautionary measures.
The Institute takes the health and safety of its staff and students very seriously. We are carefully monitoring the situation and will issue any further advice and guidance as it becomes available.
For those who may have concerns about the virus, we have compiled some useful FAQs and guidance for staff and we will continue to keep this page updated.
More detailed novel coronavirus information from PHE is also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
· What is Coronavirus
The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and a number of cases have now been diagnosed in other countries, mostly in travellers from Wuhan.
Public Health England has assessed the current risk to the public as moderate and will be working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international partners constantly to review the situation.
· Symptoms
Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough, that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.
· Should I Self-Isolate and What Does That Mean?
Anyone returning anyone who has returned from the following specific areas should follow the latest advice from Public Health England listed below.
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If you have returned from this in the last 14 days, you should call NHS 111 and self-isolate immediately; avoiding contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms: |
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If you have returned from these areas since 19 February 2020, you should call NHS 111 and self-isolate and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms: |
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If you have returned from these areas in the last 14 days, and have symptoms including a cough, fever or shortness of breath, you should call NHS 111 informing them of your recent travel and self-isolate immediately; avoiding contact with other people: |
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If you have returned from these areas since February 19 2020 and develop symptoms, however mild, you should self-isolate at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS 111: |
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For those self-isolating, guidance from Public Health England states you should:
· Use a separate bathroom from others if possible.
· In the case of shared bathroom, draw up a rota for washing or bathing, with the isolated person using the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bathroom themselves (if able or appropriate). Ensure the isolated person uses separate towels from others, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand hygiene purposes.
· If you live in shared accommodation with a communal kitchen or bathroom and living area, you should stay in your room with the door closed, only coming out when necessary, wearing a facemask if one has been issued to you.
· If you share a kitchen with others, if possible, avoid using it whilst others are present or if this is not possible then wear a facemask if you have been issued with one.
· Take your meals back to your room to eat and use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry your used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them by hand using detergent and warm water and dry them thoroughly, using a separate tea towel.
· Do not share household items with other housemates.
· You will need to ask for help if you require groceries, other shopping or medications. Alternatively, you can order by phone or online. The delivery instruction needs to state that the items are to be left outside, or in the porch, or as appropriate for your home.
· You should remain more than 2 metres away from other people or only be closer than 2 metres for periods of no longer than 15 minutes. More detailed advice on self-isolation from Public Health England is available here.
· What To Do If You Are Feeling Unwell
Anyone one who has returned from the areas listed in the section above ‘Should I self-isolate and what does that mean?’ should follow the advice listed there.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To avoid possible spread of the virus, you should not go to seek medical advice in person but call NHS 111 and inform them of your symptoms and recent travel who will advise you.
If you are self-isolating you should inform the Student Support and Disability Officer (disability@metanoia.ac.uk), who will be able to signpost you to the support available to you.
UK public health measures are world-leading and the NHS is well prepared to manage and treat new diseases. The NHS has been carefully monitoring the situation in Wuhan for some time and has the ability to treat patients and put in place proportionate, precautionary measures.
· I’m Worried About Self-Isolating, Missing My Exams, Or Teaching. What Should I Do?
We understand self-isolation may cause disruption to your examinations or the start of teaching but it is important you understand your health and wellbeing and those of your fellow students is the first priority. As such, isolation as stated by Public Health England is important and doing so will not harm you academically.
If self-isolation applies to you, please contact the Student Support and Disability Officer (disability@metanoia.ac.uk) who will be sympathetic to your situation and support you in using the extenuating circumstances process.
This also applies to any students who are currently unable to return to the UK due to travel restrictions.
Should you be a current, or new student, and are unable to travel to the UK due to the current restrictions, please contact your relevant Programme Leader directly who will advise, and provide support and assistance with academic matters.
If you are a taught student and you believe you are not going to be able to return to the Institute before the 2 March 2020 due to travel restrictions, then you are advised to take, or extend a leave of absence. Please speak to your Programme Leader to discuss your options and to lodge an application.
· What Precautions Can I Take To Avoid The Spread Of Infection?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests good practice to avoid the spread of infection includes:
· Washing your hands thoroughly using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. This should be done for 20 seconds at regular intervals.
· Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and where possible with a tissue or your sleeve. Remember to wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards. Dispose of the tissue immediately.
· Avoiding sharing food, drink and utensils.
· Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs and avoiding raw or undercooked animal products.
· Regularly cleaning surfaces with disinfectant.
· Avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
· As a precaution, the advice from Public Health England is that anyone who has returned from the listed countries above to self-isolate if applicable.
We are therefore advise all students to follow this advice, and to keep their personal tutor informed if you need to self-isolate. This means remaining in your accommodation, not attending exams or lectures and limiting your contact with others.
· Travel The Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice is currently warning against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak and advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao) due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so.
Chinese authorities have suspended public transport in Wuhan and advised people in China to avoid travelling in and out of the city and avoid crowds.
Enhanced monitoring is in place for all direct flights from Wuhan to the UK.
· Should I Wear A Facemask?
Public Health England have advised on facemasks only for those in self-isolation if you cannot avoid brief contact with others, for example when using shared spaces within a household such as a kitchen or bathroom. Masks should be replaced when damp.
However, it is a recognised custom for Asian communities to wear face masks to protect themselves and, in particular, others from the possibility of infection. It is very important to recognise and respect this custom and to encourage all members of the Institute to be inclusive and supportive of what is a personal choice.