Higher education exempt from 1.5 metre rule

24 Nov 2021 18:44 | Communication

The sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 infections is concerning. Yesterday, the Dutch government announced that they would reintroduce the 1.5 metre social distancing rule, effective today. This measure does not apply to higher education.

Infection prevention

It’s crucial that we all do our part to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. It’s important that everyone adheres to the basic corona rules. Please refer to the RIVM website (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) if you want to know more about this.

Self-tests

Self-tests are (still) available free of charge in the higher education sector. Please take advantage of this and test yourself at least twice a week. Stay at home if your self-test is positive or if you have any corona-related health complaints – you should also get yourself tested at the GGD (Public Health Service of Amsterdam). Stay at home until your results are in and for the duration of your infection with the coronavirus if this is the case. We advise unvaccinated people to get vaccinated in order to avoid the risk of becoming infected or infecting someone else. Of course everyone is free to make their own choice and it’s important that we respect that choice. It’s important to keep the dialogue going together concerning how the pandemic is affecting us.

Inside AUAS buildings

A maximum group size of 75 people per room still applies in our buildings, with the exception of examinations and exams. Inside AUAS buildings you are required to wear a face mask when moving around, for example in the corridors and the lifts. You don’t have to wear a mask if you’re seated, but you can if you want to. We’ve asked Facility Services to remind people to wear a face mask in our buildings and to draw their attention to the basic rules. Disrespecting these employees or reacting aggressively is unacceptable.

Looking ahead

AUAS is currently preparing to host an on-campus Open day on 11 December for students. This is an informative event that falls under the category 'directly related to education'. Therefore, it is allowed to take place according to the current government policy. Other Dutch universities of applied sciences will do the same during the upcoming period. This could of course change following the upcoming press conference on Friday 26 November. If the pending measures impact our planned Open day we will inform our employees and students as soon as possible.