When the latest relaxations take effect, it will be even more important for us to show consideration and understanding for each other on the campus, says President of the Executive Board Geert ten Dam. ‘We are making every effort to make the return to normal as safe as possible. There is a vaccination unit where you can get vaccinated without an appointment, continuous monitoring of our ventilation systems, hygiene measures and from next week boxes of self-tests will also be available on the campuses.’

‘But of course the pandemic is not over yet. Not everyone has been vaccinated and it is understandable that there are concerns. Wear a face mask if you feel safer doing so, or ask others to distance themselves from you as much as possible. I hope that everyone will take this into account, respond to requests in a flexible way and choose a safe path.’

Which measures will be withdrawn from 25 September?

• the 1.5-metre measure;

• the maximum group size of 75 people;

• the obligation to wear a face mask, which means you don't have to wear a face mask on campus anymore. If you feel uncomfortable without a face mask, however, it goes without saying that you can still wear one. If someone asks you if you are willing to wear one because of their concern, we hope you show leniency towards their request.

Please note: rules and guidelines may vary at the Faculty of Medicine in the AMC. If you have any doubts, please contact your degree programme.

Symptons? Stay at home and get tested

Students and staff with COVID-related symptoms must still stay at home and get tested at the GGD. 

Examinations and the maximum group size

For examinations, the maximum group size will already cease to apply from 20 September. For tests that are still scheduled online after 20 September, we will examine whether these can be converted to on-campus tests. A (short) transition period will be required for this, your degree programme will provide further information as soon as possible. 

Working from home

From 25 September, the government recommendation is to ‘Work from home if you can, and at the office if you have to’. For us, this means that attendance is required for teaching purposes. The government is still urging other employees to work from home as much as possible, if their work allows it. Would you like to come to the office? Talk to your manager or supervisor.

Vaccination and self-testing

Self-testing and vaccination remain important in order to ensure the safest and most responsible return to the campus. We would therefore urge everyone to get vaccinated, if possible. This week, you can do so without an appointment at the mobile vaccination unit on the Roeterseiland. On the afternoon of Thursday 16 September, there will be a mobile vaccination team at the Science Park. View all vaccination locations in Amsterdam here.

We would also ask you to carry out a self-test at least twice a week. Starting 16 September self-tests will be available at building entrances at the campus. You can also order your test at zelftestonderwijs.nl. 

Ventilation

All buildings have natural or mechanical ventilation that meets the requirements set out by the RIVM guidelines. We have concluded a maintenance contract for all the ventilation systems to ensure that they can be used safely and reliably. The ventilation is checked regularly and adjusted where necessary. 

Other safety measures

We will also continue to take other additional hygiene measures, such as extra cleaning and disinfection.

More information

• All information about education in the academic year 2021-2022 is bundled on the website.
• On zelftestonderwijs.nl, students and staff can order free self tests.
• Find out where you can get vaccinated here.
• For specific information about their programme, students and staff can contact their own faculty or study programme.

• For answers to any other questions, see the FAQs on the coronavirus page or contact coronavragen@uva.nl.