Coronavirus (COVID-19) – advice for higher education providers

The government has launched its coronavirus action plan. This document sets out what the UK as a whole has done to tackle coronavirus, and what it plans to do next.

It sets out a four phased approach in response to coronavirus:

1. Contain
2. Delay
3. Mitigate
4. Research.

The action plan is a framework that outlines the types of options open to the government in each of the four phases. The document is only a list of the types of measures the Department for Education could consider – not those they are planning to implement.

See the latest coronavirus updates on GOV.UK

On 16 March the Department for Education and Public Health England issued updated guidance for education settings on coronavirus. This guidance will assist staff in addressing coronavirus in educational settings. It includes childcare, schools, further and higher educational institutions.

The latest updates from the Department for Education can be found on their Twitter or Facebook pages.

We recognise that providers will be planning carefully for different scenarios relating to coronavirus. We would encourage you to take advice from the government and Public Health England before deciding to close teaching facilities on campus.

If you are a higher education provider and you have a question about our regulatory requirements in relation to coronavirus, please email us at [email protected] or call 0117 931 7305 to speak to a member of our regulation and ongoing monitoring team.

The Department for Education has set up a helpline to answer questions about coronavirus related to education.

Higher education staff, students and parents can contact the helpline in the following ways:

• Phone: 0800 046 8687
• Email: [email protected]

To ensure calls are answered as quickly as possible the DfE have extended their opening hours to cover weekends. Their opening hours are now:

• 0800 to 1800 Monday to Friday
• 1000 to 1600 Saturday and Sunday.

Please note that the helpline is experiencing high volumes of calls. Your call will join a queue and will be answered as soon as possible.

The latest updates from the Department for Education can be found on their Twitter or Facebook pages.

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a public information campaign that focuses on the importance of handwashing.

Washing hands for 20 seconds is central to prevent and slow the spread of coronavirus.

Public Health England has a dedicated webpage with a range of posters and digital materials which providers can use to share simple and effective personal hygiene messages.

You will need to sign in or register for a free account to download the resources.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised British people against all non-essential travel worldwide. This advice took effect from 17 March 2020 and applies initially for a period of 30 days.

Read the latest travel advice from GOV.UK.

Read GOV.UK's stay at home guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus. 

Immigration advice has been published for individuals affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.

The coronavirus immigration helpline can be contacted in the following ways:

• Phone: 0800 678 1767
• Email: [email protected]

The helpline is open between 0900 and 1700 Monday to Friday for immigration enquiries related to coronavirus only. Calls are free of charge.

The helpline can only speak to the visa holder or applicant about individual cases. If a third party wishes to speak on their behalf, they must have the visa holder’s permission.