As an organisation with a community of local hosts and education partners who care for international students from across the globe, the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) is continues to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19. AHN will prioritise and assist those directly affected as well as providing information to our wider community of homestay participants.
This includes:
- Keeping up-to-date with information released by the Australian Government Department of Health, state and territory health departments, the World Health Organisation and Smartraveller.gov.au about the novel coronavirus. Resources about the virus, precautionary measures, symptoms and what to do if someone falls ill have been included in our communications with hosts and students.
- Working at a local level with AHN’s education partners to manage the accommodation requirements of students in line with the school’s precautionary health and safety measures, contacting hosts and helping find temporary accommodation as needed.
- Assisting students if they need to change their homestay placement to suit new travel arrangements or school/homestay start dates. All funds previously paid will be held in credit and used towards their placement when they are able to commence their homestay. No additional fees will be charged for these changes.
- Recommending hosts do what is appropriate for their family to ensure they feel 100% comfortable and enjoy the homestay hosting experience.
- Providing ongoing monitoring and support for students and hosts if a homestay placement must include precautionary health and safety measures.
- Encouraging hosts to provide additional emotional support to their guest and be aware of culturally insensitive behaviour in their community.
- Coordinating homestays for onshore guests who need alternative accommodation or whose travel plans have been disrupted.
- Providing around-the-clock support through our local teams during business hours and 24/7 professionally staffed emergency line after hours.
AHN continues to monitor developments, provide assistance and update our homestay community and partners with new information as needed.
Information Hub
The Australian Government Department of Health has written a fact sheet with essential information relating to the virus, its symptoms and safety advice. Read it here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what you need to know.
The Australian Government has recommended a number of health and safety precautions to reduce the spread of the virus, including social distancing.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is about keeping a healthy space around you so you have less contact with other people. Following social distancing measures limits the potential spread of the virus.
This includes:
- Keeping 1.5 metres between you and other people where possible
- Avoiding crowds and large public gatherings where it’s hard to keep a reasonable distance from others e.g. theme parks, concerts, etc.
- Staying away from others if you are feeling unwell and avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding physical contact with who are at higher risk such as older people, people with existing health conditions, and babies
Read more about social distancing guidance here.
If an AHN homestay participant (student or host/host family member) is required to self-isolate, please contact your local AHN office so we can stay informed on the situation. Please follow the home isolation and care guidance provided by the Australian Government Department of Health or as directed by local health authorities.
We recommend you regularly check the SmartTraveller website for the most current advice, as well as local travel advisories for the country/countries you intend on visiting, before planning any travel.
