New stricter rules at SDU due to the development in the Corona infection

the current COVID-19 situation is serious and worrying according to the authorities. At a press conference on 23 October, the Prime Minister therefore presented a number of new restrictions to stem and limit the spread of infection in the coming period.

As a result, SDU’s management introduces a number of measures which will apply at all SDU’s locations:

New measure valid from 29 October 2020 until 2 January 2021

• Requirement for the use of a face mask or visor for all persons who move around inside the university areas. This applies to moving around in corridors, in the cafeteria, in the library and in common areas, etc. The requirement does not apply if you sit in a reading room, in an office or eat in the cafeteria as long as you keep a distance of at least 1 metre to other people. There may be special areas within the common areas that are ‘face mask free zones’ when you are seated. 
• For lecturers: Lecturers must wear a face mask or visor in physical teaching situations if the lecturer teaches more than two classes during the day.
• For students: There is no general requirement that students who attend physical teaching and programme activities should wear a face mask or visor. In some specific situations, there may be a requirement for a face mask or visor in the case of close physical contact in class (for instance, skills training or in laboratories).

Existing measures which have been extended until 2 January 2021

• Employees are encouraged to work from home where possible and appropriate. As before, working from home is agreed in a dialogue between managers and the individual employee with a focus on work, inclusion and individual considerations.
• All social events at the university are cancelled. This also applies to office Christmas parties in November and December.

New measures which so far are valid until 23 November 2020 (4 weeks)

• Professional events for more than 10 people are cancelled. Teaching and examinations requiring physical attendance are exempt from the assembly ban and can therefore be carried out physically in accordance with SDU’s guidelines.

In these difficult times with new restrictions, there are some bright spots.

The government prioritizes keeping higher education institutions – and other important societal institutions and companies – open. We are therefore not facing a new full lockdown of the university, which we experienced in the spring. We should be pleased about that, so that we still have the opportunity to carry out teaching and research activities physically at the university, although many activities will still have to be carried out online.

We probably all experience corona fatigue. Together, we must find additional motivation and energy to get through the autumn and the coming winter. In the coming period, SDU’s management will therefore also discuss with employees (the Central Liaison Committee) and students (Students in Focus) how we can ensure the well-being of the students and employees in the future.