08–11–2022 Corona-update: What’s in the higher education sector plan for corona?
The Dutch government has asked different sectors to come up with a sector plan to deal with a possible coronavirus flare up. The aim of the plan is to keep society open for as long as possible in the event of a new corona wave.
National sector-plan for corona
The ‘national sector plan medium-term approach to corona in secondary vocational and higher education’ was drawn up by the Ministry for Education, Culture and Science before the summer. This plan contains several possible future scenarios regarding the impact corona can have on secondary vocational and higher education. Education has been given a separate status within the national corona policy, because it has been shown that repeated physical closure of large parts of education has had a major impact on the well-being of students and staff. This has led to the government taking the standpoint of wanting to prevent partial or complete school closures in the event of a new corona outbreak, unless this involves a virus variant that is of immediate danger to students and staff.
A plan made to measure
Educational institutions have translated the measures in the national sector-plan scenarios to fit their own situation. Saxion has also elaborated on the plan and put it to the Saxion University Council (CMR). Should the coronavirus flare up again we will be able to take targeted measures based on this plan. The guiding principle is that we take consideration of vulnerable groups, study progress and the health and well-being of all staff and students.
Safety first
When corona measures are taken, offering a safe study and working environment remains the starting point. When discussing the sector plan, the CMR has drawn attention for the safety and well-being of employees and students, and specifically being able to monitor the air quality in rooms. In addition to hygiene measures, the plan also pays attention to the indoor climate. Academies receive additional information on how to deal with this.
When discussing the sector-plan, the CMR asked for particular attention to be paid to the safety and well-being of students and staff. This ties in with the safe work and study environment that is central to Saxion when corona measures have to be taken.
Sticking to the basic guidelines is vital
In addition to corona there are also several flu strains going around. This is why it is so important that we stick to the basic guidelines:
- Disinfect your hands on arrival;
- Wash your hands regularly;
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow;
- Do you have symptoms? Take a self-test and stay home if this is positive;
- Ensure there is good ventilation.
Free self-tests are available from main building reception desks in Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn. Do you want to make an appointment for a vaccination, booster or repeat jab, then find out how to do this here.