Updated - 17th March 2020
Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, the Trust has been continually monitoring UK government and NHS advice. The safety and wellbeing of our participants, our stakeholders, our Holocaust survivors and our staff is of paramount importance.
On the 11th March we suspended all our overseas educational projects, Lessons from Auschwitz and Belsen 75, until the end of March. Today, 16th March, we have decided to extend this until the end of April. This decision will remain under review while Coronavirus remains a risk. It is worth noting the Polish government has announced closure of all museums, including Auschwitz-Birkenau, from 12th March to 25th March 2020.
We are suspending all planned gatherings, all of our overseas projects and in-person educational programmes, effective immediately until the end of April when we will review.
We are not aware of any specific risks related to our overseas projects that would impact our participants and there are no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus amongst any of our staff, volunteers, partners or participants. We are taking this action as a precautionary measure.
Should you have any questions, please see our FAQs below.
ENDS
In light of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are suspending all of our overseas projects and in-person educational programmes, including our Ambassador Programme events.
It is our view that the safety and wellbeing of our participants, our stakeholders, our Holocaust survivors and our staff are paramount. At all times we are making decisions that we consider measured and responsible. Currently, we are not aware of any specific risks related to any of these projects and have not been made aware of any confirmed, or suspected cases, of Coronavirus that would impact our participants.
FAQs:
Is the Lessons from Auschwitz Project still going ahead?
From 12th March, the Lessons from Auschwitz Project has been suspended. We will review this decision at the end of April.
Why?
We have taken this precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our participants. The Polish Government’s decision to close all museums and cultural institutions in Poland has meant that this decision has had to be taken immediately.
Will Projects be taking place in April/May?
All Lessons from Auschwitz Projects have been suspended until the end of April and will remain under review while coronavirus remains a risk.
Is the Belsen75 Project still happening?
As a precautionary measure we are suspending Belsen75 to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our participants. We will review this decision at the end of April.
When will the Projects be restarting and will suspended projects be rescheduled?
You will hear from us when a decision has been made regarding the Project’s continuation.
If I am part way through a Project, will my visit/Follow Up Seminar still go ahead?
We are suspending all in-person seminars until the end of April and are exploring alternative options.
Is the decision to pause the Projects related to any specific risk that the Trust has been made aware of?
The Trust has been continually monitoring UK government and NHS advice, which does not include limiting travel to Poland or Germany. This decision is purely precautionary and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our participants.
If I have just returned from a Project, am I at risk?
The Holocaust Educational Trust has not been informed of any specific risk to anyone who has participated in any of our Projects this year.
Will the Trust inform us if anyone has confirmed or suspected cases of the virus?
Should the scenario occur where there is a confirmed or suspected case, the Trust will work with Public Health England to trace contact and inform all participants at the earliest possible opportunity in line with relevant guidelines.
Will I get my participant fee reimbursed?
The Trust will be reimbursing participant fees over the coming weeks for any courses scheduled to take place from 12th – 30th April. Please do be patient as we work through this process.
I have booked train tickets/overnight accommodation for the Project, will I be reimbursed?
The Trust will reimburse all related costs for any courses scheduled to take place from 12th – 30th April. Please do be patient as we work through this process.
When did the Trust decide to suspend overseas projects and in person educational programmes?
The Trust has been continually monitoring UK government and NHS advice. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is of paramount importance and therefore we have taken the decision to suspend all overseas projects and in-person education from 12th – 30th April
The Polish government will be closing all museums, including Auschwitz-Birkenau, from 12th March to 25th March 2020.
Whilst the German Government has not yet implemented these measures, we are adding precautionary measures and have taken the decision to suspend these Projects as from 12th March.
Is the Trust’s Outreach Programme still taking place?
On 6th March, in light of government guidance that the virus has the most severe impact on the elderly, we suspended our Outreach Programme in line with steps we are taking as extra precautions to protect our beloved Holocaust survivors. The Programme will be suspended until the end of March, at which time we will review.