We would like to send you a message that we have read and that has been transferred by the Erasmus Student Network Spain (ESN Spain) in which it shows its solidarity and support to all those people and students affected by the COVID-19. As an association that is committed to active citizenship, social inclusion and welfare and health, we want to emphasize, and we join this message, the importance of following the guidelines and measures that the Spanish and European authorities have set.
We know that this is a difficult time for everyone; you university students were at the beginning of a new semester and welcoming and integrating international students in the cities that would be hosting them in the coming months. As a measure of responsibility, these departments have generally cancelled their events taking tougher measures than those officially required, always with the aim of helping public health.
If you are an Erasmus student who has recently arrived in Barcelona and you are currently facing a complicated and unusual situation: ESN volunteers are at your disposal to help and support you at all times, do not feel alone, even if you are far from home. The Erasmus community is a big family and you are part of it.
From ESN they feel that nowadays it is possible for us to show our country and its culture through the activities and events that they organize and make your experience unforgettable, but they assure that they are working as much as possible so that when everything returns to normal, you will have the opportunity to continue enjoying your erasmus with ESN. Now, it is a time to stay strong for a short period of time in order to face all the problems as a united society.
From ESN they claim to be concerned about the students, as we are from Barcelona student flats, who are enjoying a mobility grant and also those who will enjoy it next year. That is why they are launching a survey in which thousands of international students could and can tell you all the problems they found due to the COVID-19. The survey was aimed at higher education students who were enjoying a mobility grant or would do so in the future and who were being affected by the impact generated by the COVID-19 virus.
Please note that this is a new, highly contagious disease. Despite this, the spread can be controlled with appropriate measures and most infected people will recover (Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).
People of all ages can be infected with the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with previous medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) appear to be more vulnerable to the virus' disease. WHO recommends that people of all ages take steps to protect themselves and others from the virus (Source WHO)
In this way, we recommend that the WHO population recommendations be followed:
And remember that from Barcelona student flats we are at your disposal through the usual communication channels to help you solve your situation in Barcelona.