Info Covid-19: Spéos stays open during the second lockdown!
During the second lockdown, which in France started on 30th October 2020, Spéos continues to operate normally and ensures the smooth delivery of all its programs.
Following the publication of decree n°2020-1310 of 29th October 2020, the French Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Labor and Employment (the two Ministries on which Spéos depends) have agreed to enact special rules for institutions offering technical courses based on specific equipment, which is the case for studio classes and all classes using Adobe software. As a result, Spéos is in a position to continue its teaching normally.
In addition, Spéos has equipped all of its classrooms with video conferencing systems, allowing for simultaneous face-to-face and online courses. The students can thus decide how they want to attend a class (except for the studio classes, which remain face-to-face workshops).
During the first confinement in March 2020, Spéos had already adapted its pedagogy and its organization to ensure the continuity of the courses for the students.
International students: new decree
Update of recommendations for entry into France dated November 6, 2020: Decree No. 2020-1310 of October 29, 2020 is replaced by Decree No. 2020-1358 of November 6, 2020 which modifies the categories of countries of origin. The States of the European area, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand are now included in the list of countries allowing exemption from testing. International students and researchers coming from another country must first be tested before their departure; otherwise, they can be tested upon arrival, where systematic testing will be offered. For the following countries : United States, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, South Africa, Algeria, China, Ecuador, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, DRC, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, pre-testing is mandatory before coming to France.
All information on measures related to containment in higher education can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (FAQ in French).”
Simplified procedure for obtaining visas in case of postponement of admission
For all students who have started visa procedures for the academic year 2020, but who have decided to defer admission, the procedures for re-applying at the consulates will be simplified. The circular of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation n° 2020-0027 stipulates:
“Candidates who wished to enter a training program at the start of the 2020 academic year and whose admission has been postponed until the start of the 2021 academic year may be exempted from re-applying. In the countries concerned, candidates will thus be able to benefit from a simplified “Study in France” procedure, providing for a reduced fee and, where applicable, an interview exemption. Students who need a visa to come and study in France will still have to create a file prior to applying for a visa (“pre-consular” file) on the Études en France platform, in order to be known by the diplomatic and consular services.”
To this end, Spéos will send the concerned students an admission certificate for the beginning of the academic year 2021, mentioning the postponement of admission, the starting date of the course and the deadline for arrival authorized in the course.
Paris in High Alert Zone: what impact for my studies at Spéos?
At Spéos, only small numbers of students are simultaneously present in its classrooms (groups of 12 to a maximum of 16 students per class). Moreover, the school has spacious premises (1,200 m2 in total).
Spéos has put into place all the safety gestures and applies the current sanitary measures, such as:
- wearing a mask is mandatory (the school has emergency masks in case you forgot yours),
- hydro-alcoholic gel made available to students and teachers in all rooms,
- display of regularly updated information,
- constant reminder of the rules of hygiene:
- to wash hands very regularly,
- greeting without shaking hands,
- coughing or sneezing into your elbow,
- use of disposable tissues,
- taking the temperature of students at the beginning of each class to detect the onset of fever,
- strengthening the cleaning of all rooms with daily disinfection and ventilation.
What should I do if I have symptoms and doubts about my health?
Do not come to school, isolate yourself and contact your doctor.
Call Spéos or write us to let us know about your situation.
What is a “contact case”?
A “contact case” is defined as “direct contact, within 1 meter, face-to-face”, without wearing a mask, with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, irrespective of its duration. In this case, you are likely to be contacted by the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM).
Special attention must be paid to any symptoms that may develop. You are asked to take your temperature twice a day. Anyone presenting symptoms should not visit Spéos and should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
If you have been in contact with a student who has contracted Covid-19 but you have always respected the safety gestures (physical distance, wearing a mask, etc.) you are not considered a “contact case”.
If you have any questions, call the toll-free number: 0800 130 000.
What should I do if I have been informed by CPAM that I am a contact case?
- Isolate yourself.
- Several cases:
- If you have a fever, contact your doctor to be tested.
- If you have no symptoms, isolate yourself for 7 days and test 7 days after your last contact with the sick person.
- If you have any signs that appear during your isolation, contact your doctor, get tested and stay isolated until the test result is available.
- Monitor your health and take your temperature twice a day.
- In case of a contact at risk, you are invited to report immediately to the Spéos secretariat, by phone or email.
Where to find a Covid screening center?
You can get tested in private laboratories near your home.
You can also go to one of the free screening centers provided by the City of Paris and the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Consult the Paris City Hall website to see the list by district.
I am an international student in France: do I have to present a Covid virological test (PCR)?
Update of recommendations for entry into France dated November 6, 2020: Decree No. 2020-1310 of October 29, 2020 is replaced by Decree No. 2020-1358 of November 6, 2020 which modifies the categories of countries of origin. The States of the European area, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand are now included in the list of countries allowing exemption from testing. International students and researchers coming from another country must first be tested before their departure; otherwise, they can be tested upon arrival, where systematic testing will be offered. For the following countries : United States, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, South Africa, Algeria, China, Ecuador, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, DRC, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, pre-testing is mandatory before coming to France.
For more information, see the Campus France fact sheet.