Update from Coronavirus press conference on 15 February

15 February 2022

Update 15 Februari

We are pleased to announce that we will start the semester with the relaxation of some of the Coronavirus measures, as announced by the cabinet during the press conference on Tuesday 15 February. In this update you will read more about the easing of these measures and on what date they will go into effect.

A summary of the most important easing of the rules:

  • With immediate effect: if circumstances allow, a maximum of 50% of working time can be spent at the office
  • As of 18 February: there will be no longer a maximum group size in education
  • As of 25 February: there will no longer be requirement to wear a face mask, but it is advised

Adjustments as of today: a maximum of 50% of working time can be spent at the office

Now that the work-from-home recommendation is relaxed, we are once again resuming the hybrid work phase in which we will spend more time working at THUAS and less time working from home. If work permits, the advice is to spend no more than 50% of your working hours at the office. It’s important to acknowledge that although it will be good to be back on campus many will also have to get used to working  back on location again. This requires everyone's attention. 
Being present again at THUAS will benefit the connection with our institution and will strengthen our mutual bond, the cooperation within the teams and the well-being of our students and staff members. That is why we will return to the previously formulated starting points. These principles can be adjusted if required by a change in circumstances. 
The principles are: 

  • The presence of lecturers at THUAS will be determined by the teaching timetable. 
  • How many days and on which days staff members are present on site or work at home is determined within the team and with the supervisor. The main priority will be the connection with the team, the students and the university of applied of sciences. 
  • The supervisors are responsible for facilitating this conversation within the teams and to guide the teams to find a good hybrid work format. If necessary, the supervisor can give instructions about staff members’ presence at THUAS (taking into account the staff member’s scheduled working days).

It remains important to discuss questions, concerns and issues with your team members or your supervisor so that this new phase also feels right for you.
 

Adjusted measures as of 18 February 2022: there will be no longer a maximum group size in education

As of Friday 18 February, the maximum group size of 75 people per individual room will no longer apply. This means, for example, that we can once again welcome more students to our library, our study landscapes and the THUAS restaurants. From an educational perspective, the programmes will decide if educational activities with more than 75 people, such as large group lectures, will be offered online or in the form of in-person lectures. We will obviously take into account if online education has provided added value, for example based on the principles of blended learning. 

Adjusted measures as of 25 February, 2022: there will no longer be requirement to wear a face mask, but it is advised

As of 25 February, it will no longer be mandatory to wear a face mask. This means that you will no longer need to wear a face mask on campus. The government still advises wearing a face mask in crowded areas. We assume that everyone will act wisely with this advice. We would like to emphasise that this measure will only take effect from 25 February. Until that date, it will still be required to wear a face mask, including inside the classrooms. Please remind each other of this, react respectfully when someone addresses you about this and please put on your face mask. If you forgot your face mask, you can get one at the reception desk of the campus building.

General advices continue to apply

 In addition to the relaxation of a number measures, the general advice remain in force. These is: 

  • Keep your distance from each other. Although the 1.5 meter rule is not obligatory in education, we ask you to comply with it, where possible.
  • Wear a face mask if you feel doing so.
  • Take a preventive self-test at least twice a week.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
  • Ventilate rooms as much as possible.
  • Do you have any symptoms? Get tested and do not come to THUAS.
  • Get a vaccine or booster shot.

Useful websites

Below are some useful websites that can help you in your search for information: 

We are delighted that there are more activities on our campuses. Nevertheless, we urge you to continue to respect the applicable measures. This is the only way we can ensure that education remains available in the future.