Covid-19

Further to the recently announced changes to overseas travel controls and considering the importance of international links to the University, the Executive has now approved the re-commencement of overseas travel on University business.  This is on the basis of:

 

  1. Travel to Red-Listed countries will continue to be authorised only in very exceptional circumstances and must be approved by a member of the Executive.
  2. Travel to all other, non-Red listed, destinations may recommence subject to a covid risk assessment that considers the likelihood of the destination country being placed on the UK/Wales Red List and the member(s) of staff or student’s ability to return to the UK before its transfer onto that list.
  3. Any booking and commitment are made in the knowledge that financial implications due to cancellation or schedule change are not insurable.
  4. Overseas Travel must be approved by the relevant School, College and Professional Service and should be booked via the Finance Hub, using the approved Travel Agent.
  5. Travel will continue to be subject to completion of the On-line Travel Insurance Form and consideration of standard overseas travel controls, such as:
    • inoculation & personal health status,
    • risks associated with the activity to be undertaken at the destination(s),
    • local threats and destination-risks advised on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development (FCDO) Office’s Foreign Travel Advice webpage, and through destination information offered by the University’s Travel Security portal,
    • availability of local support if required to self-isolate / quarantine,
    • the necessity of travel and its potential adverse impact on the environment.

It is noted that the Welsh Government continues to call for caution against international travel for non-essential reasons and colleagues are asked to consider this when planning overseas activity[2].

Coronavirus (Covid-19): Frequently Asked Questions - Staff


Coronavirus (Covid-19) Frequently Asked Questions - Students

 

Overseas Travel - once approval (Covid-19 travel) has been received

As a member of University staff or student it is very likely that you will travel abroad during the course of your work or study.   In the event you do intend to travel overseas it is essential that you follow the requirements of the University’s Overseas Travel Policy and plan your trip and prepare yourself accordingly.  The Staff and Students Travel Handbook provides a range of useful information.

The University provides Free Travel Cover to staff and students travelling overseas on University related business.  When registering for Cover you will be given a contact number which will take you to GLOBAL RESPONSE who can support you in a medical emergency. Travellers must contact Global Response before incurring any medical costs as failure to do so WILL result in subsequent medical expenses claims being declined.

Global Response may then, dependent on the emergency forward you to DRUM CUSSAC who support them.  In addition, before travel VISIT the DRUM CUSSAC site for PRE-TRIP TRAVEL ADVICE.

Also REGISTER with DRUM CUSSAC to access the following services:

  • RiskMonitor Traveller –Live Incident Alerts and Country Profiles
  • TravelPrepare – E-Learning Modules
  • GlobalSOS – 24/7 security support and advice

The World Travel Guide Net is another useful tool when planning your trip, including the essential 'Before You Go' to make sure you have considered Visas, Health etc and other things which may have time constraints

Travellers should be mindful that some countries and regions may have different attitudes towards certain travellers, for example, lone females, LGBT.  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has some really useful information for LGBT and lone female travellers with links to other organisations to help prepare and identify countries and regions which may potentially be unsafe.  There is also a helpful E-learning Module on the Travel Prepare site.

The key stages when organising a trip are:

 STEP 1:

 Authorisation

 STEP 2: 

 Travel Cover (and compulsory Travel Cover Form)

 STEP 3:

 Risk Assessment

 STEP 4:

 Travel Health Essentials (includes Vaccine information)

 STEP 5:

 Travel Basics

 

The following are useful sources of information when preparing for any overseas trip.  See STEP 4: Travel Health Essentials for specific links relating to overseas travel health advice, including vaccination requirements.

Links