We here at Bedssi understand how COVID19 may be causing you plenty of stress and anxiety. With all the uncertainty we are facing when it comes to ending this global pandemic, we’re all pretty confused and worried. Everyone is left with security measures and safety procedures that require us to make plenty of adjustments.

To get the information straight and to avoid confusion for students currently living in Australia, Bedssi has created a FAQs sheet for your biggest questions and concerns:

What activities can I leave my house for?

• Shopping for groceries, medicine, and other necessities
• Medical care
• Exercise (with a maximum of 2 people per group)
• Work and education (that cannot be done remotely)

How does the two-person rule work?

• Basically, you are only allowed to have both indoor and outdoor gatherings with one other person.
• Private properties are bound by this rule as well. This means you are only allowed one house guest at a time.
• The rule does not apply to families living in one household with more than 2 members.
• A family living in 2 separate houses are allowed to meet as well.
• Heavy on-the-spot fines will be given to those who fail to follow the said rule.

How does the travel ban in Australia work?

As of March 20, 2020, only the following individuals are allowed to enter the country:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent residents
• New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia
• Immediate family members of citizens (i.e. spouses, dependents and legal guardians)

The time frame for this travel ban has not been set, but will likely last for as long as it is necessary to keep the spread of the virus under control.

Those who wish to fly out of the country are also discouraged from doing so. There are many considerations that may affect and inconvenience your trip, such as:

• Airlines reducing flights leading to more expensive airfare
• Travel bans in your own country
• Travel bans and limitations in other countries where you might need to stop over

I am currently studying in Australia and my student visa is expiring soon. What do I do?

If you hold a student visa that is about to expire, you are required to apply for a new visa in order to avoid serious penalties. You will need to present a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) for your application.

Luckily, most of the schools in Australia are holding classes through virtual classrooms where students can continue taking and finishing their course despite this crisis. Attendance on campus is not required in most–if not all–schools and universities. This provides a flexible schedule for both Australian and international students. Some schools even allow students to defer the current term. It is best to contact your school regarding these concerns.

As we all navigate this situation with safety as our top priority, let’s not forget our other responsibilities, as well as our dreams. Life does not stop because of this virus, and we must use every opportunity we can to live our lives as normally and as joyfully as possible.

This post is a guide only.
For updates and detailed information please visit

https://www.australia.gov.au
Or
https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/English/student-support

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Keep yourself entertained during this quarantine with the dynamic duo of The Daily Talk Show, Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen. Listen to their interview on Innovator Diaries’ 90th episode.

Want to get an Australian gift?

Get unique gifts with an Australian twist in two places:

1. https://www.redbubble.com/people/revolutionaus/shop
2. https://society6.com/revolutionaustralia/wall-art