FAQs – UCIC Response to Covid-19

Q: When will there be online classes?

A: From March 30th UCIC will move all classes online.

Q: Will I still be able to study at UCIC if I get Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

A: Yes. If anyone at UCIC tests positive for Covid-19 you will not lose your place. We will support you in your self-isolation and treatment.

Q: Will I get deported if I get Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

A: No. NZ will not deport someone because they test positive for Covid-19.

Q: Will my Visa get cancelled if I get Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

A: No. Your visa will not be cancelled if you test positive for Covid-19.

Q: Will I get treatment because I am not a NZ citizen if I get Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

A: Yes. Everyone in New Zealand has access to free treatment provided by the NZ government. According to the Ministry of Education website: "COVID-19 is publicly funded under the infectious disease exception, to the extent appropriate in the circumstances to manage risks to other persons. This covers anyone in New Zealand, regardless of visa/citizenship status or length of time in the country." Find more information about advice for unwell students by NZ Government.

Q: How much will it cost to get treatment if I get Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

A: Treatment for Covid-19 will be free. (Please see the question above)

Q: Will I still be able to pass if I get Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

A: Yes. You will still be able to pass. See more information below

Q: If we have to close UCIC will we all just pass?

A: If we have to close UCIC we will move to online study so that you can continue your course. We are preparing for this now.

Q: If school is going to close, can we successfully graduate this semester?

A: Yes. If the school closed we will move to online study to make sure that you can graduate on time.

Q: Will we still have exams in week 6 – I don’t want to get Covid-19.

A: We don't want you to get Covid-19 either. We are closely monitoring information from the government and health department and acting on their advice. For example, currently gatherings of 100 or more have been cancelled (excluding schools, universities or any other education institutions). If we think that running an exam will put students or staff at risk we will use alternative arrangements.

Q: If students cannot manage to buy hand sanitiser and mask, what should they do? Do they still need to come to school?

A: We have masks at Reception and there are hand sanitiser stations around the UC campus, including in Alice Candy. Please remember that washing your hands (with soap and water for 20 seconds) is the best way to avoid the spread of the virus. If you are not sick you should attend your classes.

Q: What is “social distancing”?

A: Social distancing means not getting physically close to other people. Everyone should be using social distancing now, even if you’re not sick. We ALL need to stay one meter away from other people. This includes your friends, family, classmates, teachers. Try to stay away from crowded situations. Social distancing is very important to stop the virus spreading. We can still have fun together, laugh together and learn together – we need to stay apart physically but not emotionally.

Q: What does self-isolation actually mean?

A: Self-isolation means doing simple things to avoid close contact with other people. This helps to prevent the virus moving through the community. If you are self-isolating you should stay at home. If you have to leave the house you must not go to places where there are many people. Where possible, ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or order supplies online. Make sure any deliveries are left outside your home for you to collect. Many New Zealand companies are now offering a ‘contactless’ delivery option, where they notify you when they have delivered your order but remain nearby to ensure you receive it.

You can keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or internet, but don’t have physical contact with anyone who isn’t isolating with you. If you live with other people who are not self-isolating you should not spend longer than 15 minutes together. You should not share a bed or a room with others during your 14-day isolation period. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, pillows or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water, place them in the dishwasher for cleaning or wash them in your washing machine. You can go outside, but you need to limit your contact with others. It’s ok to go for a walk, do gardening, run or ride your bike, as long as you avoid people who aren’t self-isolating. Find more information about self-isolation by Ministry of Health.

Q: If I have to go into self-isolation how will I organise this and can I stay in my house with my roommates?

A: If you need to self-isolate you should tell UCIC as soon as possible. We are here to help you. If you don't have everything you need at home you can ask friends to help you by dropping off anything you don’t have. You can also order supplies online (for example groceries). If you’re worried that you’re not prepared please tell us and we will support you and make sure you have everything you need. Yes, you can go into self-isolation if you have flatmates but you should not sleep in the same room. You should not have close contact with anyone and not stay in the same room for more than 15 minutes. Please see the above question for more information about this.