COVID-19: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:22, 29 November 2021

Everyone should check their HR email regularly. All official PZI/WdKA/HR communication will land there. For the rest use the XPUB list and chat. We will keep maintain this page as a digest and bookmark for all the important links.

General Info

The ordering of free self-tests is working again. I just tried now. https://www.zelftestonderwijs.nl The current recommendation is to test twice a week (obviously adjust based on the frequency of your IRL visits). You can order by lots of four, then you need to renew the order.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++29.11.2021

Classes on location still permitted even after 17.00  Teaching will continue as scheduled, even after five o’clock. Teaching activities are permitted in groups of no more than 75 people. Examinations and assessments are an exception to the restriction of 75 people per class. These will take place as scheduled. If you have a scheduled class on location, please attend.

In addition, independent study in our buildings still remains possible, as do one-on-one meetings with a counsellor or study career coach. Students are also allowed to work on a project with fellow students on location.

Working from home 

Everyone who does not necessarily need to be at one of our locations will work from home. If your work requires you to come to the location, please do so. Do you feel uncomfortable working on location? Then discuss this with your manager in order to find a solution. Do not travel during rush hour if at all possible.

Dealing with infections and ‘quarantine’ in the classroom (the online rule) 

RUAS is located in a city where the corona vaccination coverage is relatively low. This is, however, manageable if we exercise extra caution. We have not identified any source of infection at our locations, which is also based on our contact with the Municipal Health Service (GGD). Yet, with the rising rate of infection in the city and the region, we too will notice a higher number of infections at our school. You may wonder how we are dealing with all this. We will apply the following principles, which will inevitably mean some scaling down of on location teaching:

    1. In the event of two or more reported/known infections in a single class, teaching will be provided online for one week as a precautionary measure. (The class will be ‘quarantined’) A 'class' means all student formations in an educational setting.
    2. If an online alternative is impossible for a certain educational activity, such as practical training, then the study programme/teacher will provide a suitable alternative, such as a postponement, extra hygiene measures (for example, face masks), et cetera.
    3. Students who are faced with online classes for their internship return day, will self-test and follow the internship provider's advice.
    4. The teacher determines when classes will switch to online and communicates this to the class.
    5. If a class goes into quarantine according to the ‘online rule’, the teacher will inform the course director.
    6. Lecturer teams: in case of contamination in the team, colleagues will self-test or get tested at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) and discuss with their manager how classes can be continued.

The basic principle is to resume teaching on location as soon as possible. In case of any doubt the integral safety team, who are in touch with the GGD-Rotterdam will be consulted. Please note that this applies to our teaching, NOT to assessment and exams which is in line with government policy. Due to the spatial set-up during examinations and assessments, the ‘online rule’ does not apply here.

Inadequate observance of face mask measure

 We would like to emphasise once again that wearing a face mask is mandatory when moving around in our buildings. We are dealing with a pandemic that is not under control. We therefore do not have the luxury of deciding for ourselves, whether or not to comply with the government's measures or our own policies. Education on location is still possible, let's cherish that and comply with the measures. Fortunately, many people are complying, however, not yet everyone.

All RUAS employees are part of the educational community that is Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and therefore have an exemplary role for the students. We consider adherence to the measures of our School Policy to be part of everyone's professional conduct and therefore assume that colleagues will adhere to the face mask rule and other measures and will help enforce these where necessary. Additional supervisors will be assigned in the coming period, please make sure they do not stand alone.

No events or meetings

In the update of 14 November, we reported that on location events and meetings without a direct link to education would be cancelled, both on school grounds as on external locations. This measure will be extended until further notice. Do you doubt whether an activity has a direct link with education? Please consult your teacher, study career coach or manager.

Leave space for others

Although the educational sector is exempt from the 1.5 metre rule, it is wise to keep as much distance as possible to others. Corona Entry Pass for education 

This is still being discussed on a national level. As soon as there is more information available, we will inform you in a next update.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++14.11.2021 UPDATE This flowchart can be used to determine whether a corona admission ticket is required at meetings and events at school. In short, it comes down to this:

Parties or cultural activities that are publicly accessible (such as exhibitions or performances that take place at the university of applied sciences and have no direct relationship to education) are not included and external visitors must show a corona ticket for this. Our own employees and students never have to show a corona ticket at our locations. For activities organized at external locations, the rules of the external location apply, regardless of the nature of the activity.

However, physical events and meetings that have no direct link with education will be cancelled from now (dated 14 November) until Friday 3 December. The open day of Saturday 20 November will also be cancelled. Meetings, propaedeutic year ceremonies, department outings, brainstorming sessions, etc. are not possible at a university of applied sciences location or external location for the next three weeks. This can be read in the latest corona newsletter of 14 November: https://www.hogeschoolrotterdam.nl/go/informatiepunt-coronavirus/newsitem/coronavirus---stand-van-zaken-binnen-hogeschool-rotterdam/ 165098/ For the 'Stroom schema/flowchart' [flowchart-corona-toegangsbewijs.pdf](https://zulip.xpub.nl/user_uploads/2/fc/PjJpfitNVqyLPdRI2hhnTv1L/flowchart-corona-toegangsbewijs.pdf)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++03.11.2021 UPDATE From Saturday 06 November onward: requirements for wearing face masks, distancing and working from home are back in place. Due to increasing infections, the outgoing cabinet is again introducing some coronavirus measures, which have consequences for us as a university of applied sciences. .....When we sent out the (provisional) latest 'corona update' on 6 October, we did not expect that just less than a month later we would have to meet again as the Central Crisis Management Team (CCMT). Unfortunately, the number of infections and hospitalisations are increasing so fast, that we are once again faced with measures for our buildings. For some of us, it may be difficult to switch back, but to avoid even more measures, we will all have to adhere to the rules.Read on news from the University: https://www.rotterdamuas.com/go/information-corona/newsitem/coronavirus---the-latest-developments-as-it-relates-to-the-rotterdam-university-of-applied-sciences/165099/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++25.10.2021 From September 25, 2021, it is mandatory to show your corona test results along with your admission ticket to most events. But not everywhere. There are two exceptions that are listed on this page: schools (onderwijs) and regular library events. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/cultuur-uitgaan-en-sport/coronatoegangsbewijs/waar-coronatoegangsbewijs-verplicht

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++24.09.2021 Questions about the Dutch CoronaCheck app. This is quite complicated for students that were vaccinated outside the Netherlands and especially for those vaccinated outside the EU.

In case you have questions about this, refer to this government website: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-certificate/proof-of-vaccination/vaccinated-outside-the-netherlands

On the CoIA channels on social media this has also been posted to inform international students:

As of the 25th of September, many places in the Netherlands will require a coronavirus entry pass. You can get a coronavirus entry pass if you are fully vaccinated, have a valid proof of recovery or a negative result from a coronavirus test taken less than 24 hours before entry. Have you been vaccinated outside of the Netherlands, then please visit this website to find out how to get your proof of vaccination: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-certificate/proof-of-vaccination/vaccinated-outside-the-netherlands

Students might need their BSN number or residence permit from the IND to get the QR-code. You can forward questions about BSN number and residence permit to CoIA Student Support: coia-studentsupport@hr.nl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++20.09.2021 From 25 September onwards, almost all measures will be relaxed, and the situation will be more familiar to pre-pandemic times. Please take responsibility for all of the following and respect each other. For some people, it is quite something to gather in our buildings again without the 1.5 metres, and without a face mask. Please respect another, when someone asks for space, keep your distance to the other person. At RUAS we allow each other space.

No face mask From 25 September onwards, the use of face masks within our buildings is no longer necessary. Except in certain teaching situations where it is mandatory for safety reasons (e.g., in the lab). If you still feel more comfortable with a face mask on, you may, of course, continue to wear it.

No maximum group size From 25 September onwards, the maximum number of people meeting in one room will no longer apply.

Self-test still necessary Even after 25 September, you will self-test twice weekly when you travel to school. In case of health complaints, get tested at the GGD.

We observe hygiene measures Even after 25 September, disinfect your hands upon entry, and wash your hands regularly. Sneeze in your elbow.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++05.09.2021

International students are eligible for vaccination | please share with your students If you were not able to get the vaccine in your home country, you can still get vaccinated in Rotterdam. At all Municipal Health Service locations in Rotterdam-Rijnmond, you can now get a vaccination without an appointment. At most locations, you can drop by Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 16.00 hrs and on Sunday from 10 .00 to 17.00 hrs. A BSN number is not necessary. You can get your shot without an appointment at the locations that are still open. Through this link you will find an overview of these locations and which vaccines are available. You can specify which kind of shot you want. Please note that some locations are not open all days of the week or will close soon.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++03.09.2021 When travelling in and out of Holland, even if going to Belgium, this Dutch governmental website is useful but is in Dutch https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++26.08.2021 - back to school measures Update content:

   No longer keeping 1.5 metre distance in buildings
   Changes in measures on location
   What to do when infected
   Vaccination facility at KZ location and self-tests
   Completing enrolment and start of the academic year

for more detailed information check out the link, scroll down for English https://c.spotler.com/ct/m10/k1/kW9TGnwaQSmoCV1Jbj0xUkz3tv5qDeonXpyr7lZLrVDDNBwv4wDSD359ja2HXchnsVVXp5TSLRNrMwZpGl-2iQ/Di4ZnWvPJk7m8qz

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++10.05.2021 HR is involved at two levels in seeing how self-testing can help maintain/expand access to IRL secondary education:

   https://www.eur.nl/en/news-calendar/corona/testing-your-future This is an HR + Erasmus only initiative.
   https://www.zelftestonderwijs.nl This is a nationwide effort in which HR is participating
   Both projects aim at testing the potential of self-testing (at home or on-premises) to contribute to the reopening of the buildings on a larger scale as what we have access to now (BTW similar efforts are done in other EU countries, and some countries are also experimenting with this for the cultural sector as well).
   None of the projects is mandatory to join, however, we were encouraged to do so. Both projects will give you access to free self-testing (at home and/or the HR premises).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++21.04.2021

from Monday 26.04 onward there can be classes held one day a week. [ I'm hoping this translate into 1-day for both @XPUB2 and @XPUB1 ]
Tuesday 27.04 is King's day and the building is closed
Wednesday 28.04 the lockdown officially lifts and both the Blaak and WH buildings will stay open until 10 pm - [out by 21:50]
-and after the May break the stations will be open until 10 pm as well.

nothing changes for Saturdays, 20 students need to register or the building stays closed.

[register at the WH reception desk or call (010) 794 47 47 before 18:00 the Wednesday before, remember to state your student number if the Saturday doesn't fill you will be nodified via your HR email account on Thursday or Friday]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++11.02.2021 - quote: communiqué: Curfew - Workplace - COVID-19 Protocol

Curfew

The outgoing cabinet has decided to extend the curfew until 2 March. This means that we will continue our policy since the curfew was introduced: our buildings will close at 19:00 at the latest, giving everyone ample time to return home before 21:00.

Reporting Covid-19 infection

Since last month, reporting Covid-19 infections to the school is completely anonymous and voluntary. We ask you to do this for us to form a picture of the number of infections within Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. In this way, we can monitor possible clusters which we will pass on to the GGD as with the locations and how measures can be taken.

To this end, you can make use of this Hint page. This allows us to safeguard the safety and health of our students and staff in the best way possible. This flow chart shows what steps to take when you are or could be infected with Covid-19.

4th floor opening hours:https://pzwiki.wdka.nl/mediadesign/Calendars:Networked_Media_Calendar/Networked_Media_Calendar/07-02-2021_-Event_3

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++15.01.2021 quote: communiqué: Workplace Lockdown Protocol January 14 - February 9, 2021

Master students continue to have access to their own studios. They can also book individual working spaces in the Stations using Planning & Reservations.

All educational activities that do not require the facilities and support of the Stations must take place online.

All on-site educational activities and individual workspaces need to be booked through Planning & Reservations.

https://wdka.asimut.net/public/login.php?url=%2Fpublic%2F%3Futm_medium%3Demail

These educational activities will be scheduled in Planning & Reservations, and all participating students must be registered for each relevant educational activity, which in turn will allow these students and tutors access to the building and facilities.

Students can use Planning & Reservations to book an individual working space in the Stations (see explanation URL below). Students will be allowed access to the building on the basis of these bookings.

http://files.m10.mailplus.nl/user31000419/2835/Reserving_individual_workspaces_in_Asimut_P_R.pdf

These educational activities will be scheduled in Planning & Reservations, and all participating students must be registered for each relevant educational activity, which in turn will allow these students and tutors access to the building and facilities.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++14.01.2021 Aymeric posted this to Zulip and I thought it's something for the lists as there are a lot of alumni, family and friends in living Charlois. 13.01.2021 "just saw this in an email to HR/WdKA staff, not sure who of you may be concerned, but here it is anyway:

Lansingerland and Charlois In the municipality of Lansingerland and in Charlois, all residents will be tested for Covid-19. Some staff and students who live there have asked us whether you must go into quarantine if you have been tested but do not have any symptoms. The RIVM guidelines are clear: if you have no health complaints, you do not have to go into quarantine while waiting for the results. If you do have symptoms, you must stay at home until the result of the test is clear."

And I read in the news yesterday, "There is no major corona outbreak in Charlois, as in the South Holland municipality of Lansingerland. There, everyone from the age of two is called upon to be tested, even without complaints. It concerns more than 60,000 residents of Bergschenhoek, Berkel en Rodenrijs and Bleiswijk.

30 people infected with the British variant The 'British variant' was diagnosed in about thirty people from the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region. According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), those cases are “largely linked” to the outbreak at RKBS Willibrord primary school in Bergschenhoek. The new version of the coronavirus is more contagious than previous variants of the coronavirus, but the mutation is not known to cause more health damage."

It calmed my nerves a bit for all you living and working in Charlois, hope it does yours too.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++02.10.2020 Mandatory Face Masks

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has introduced a face mask requirement. It is compulsory to wear face masks in our public areas (public spaces such as the entrance hall, in corridors, deWillem, hallways, stairwells, restrooms, library, etc. and, including the XPUB studio and the open area where alumni will return). This is to promote clarity and enforceability. To this end, the House Rules have been updated; the Central Representative Board.

This does not apply to classrooms, where the existing safety measures are generally well observed. In the public areas, in addition to the face mask requirement, the rule to keep a distance of 1.5 metres, still applies, of course.

Mayor supports our school policy

In doing so, the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is following the approach of Ahmed Aboutaleb - not only the mayor but also chairman of the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region - who is clear about the advice to wear face masks. He is pleased with the government's initiative with regard to face masks, but if it is up to him, it should not be restricted to shops and supermarkets, but should also be used in public spaces of buildings where it is effective. The Mayor therefore very much welcomes the school's decision: “In fact, wearing face masks should be the guideline for everyone in the region, for all places where many people gather”.

It is everyone's own responsibility to have a face mask.

Official national and academy guidelines

Protocol

In order to offer IRL teaching consistently, we will have to adhere to the rules of the RIVM, that most of you have been following all along:

First and foremost: stay home if you have any symptoms like a head cold, coughing, tightness of breath, fever, sudden loss of smell or taste.
Self-quarantine if any of your housemates have symptoms as mentioned above.
Inform your course director and coordinator
Get tested
In case you must quarantine you will be able to follow teaching online and catch up.
When at the academy, follow the rules of distance and hygiene.
Follow the current rules set by the Dutch government, both national and for Rotterdam specifically. You can find them here.

WdKA Support address update 01.03.2021

If you have personal problems, including financial issues, please get in touch with the student counsellors through email or telephone directly:

to make an appointment register here: studentendecanaatwb@hr.nl

WDKA/PZI student counselors are:

Clariet Helwig: [temporarily not available Feb 2021] tel. 010 - 794 4252 email: C.P.Helwig@hr.nl, chatten: helcp@hr.nl
Marit Lems: tel. 010 - 794 6720 email: m.j.lems@hr.nl, chatten: lemmj@hr.nl

Kralingzoom

Eduard de Ridder:

mon- thrus https://hint.hr.nl/nl/HR/english/study-information/international-student-ruas/my-study/my-student-assistence/student-counsellor/appointment-student-counsellor/

XPUB/LURK Social Network

video: https://hotline.xpub.nl
XMPP chatroom: xpub@muc.lurk.org