Update coronavirus January 14

Fortunately, the cabinet has chosen to give higher education priority in the easing of restrictions. It is now up to all of us (students and staff) to make use of the space offered as safely and efficiently as possible. At the same time, we are working on a long-term policy, in which we learn to 'ride the waves of corona'. Berent Prakken (vice dean of education at UMC Utrecht) and Harold van Rijen (director of the Graduate School of Life Sciences at Utrecht University) expressed their views on this in the Volkskrant (in Dutch). A long-term vision does not only apply to education, but also to working at home and in the office.

At the moment, we are in the final phase of education block 2 (until 7 February). Practicals and exams are on location. Lectures and seminars are online, unless a programme decides otherwise. In addition, small-scale meetings will be possible again from Monday. In order to guarantee safety as much as possible, we will take to heart the government's advice to wear disposable face masks, anywhere in our buildings. Also do a self-test twice a week. You can read more about education block 2, the small-scale meetings and the face masks below. On Tuesday, after consultation with the faculties, we will decide on the organisation of block 3. You will read more about this no later than Wednesday in a coronavirus update.

And finally this. Although fortunately more is possible, we are still studying and working with severe limitations. We can see that the ongoing coronavirus measures are weighing heavily on more and more people. And that the Christmas holidays have not brought new energy to everyone. Are you struggling because of the current circumstances? Do you encounter problems? Do you need personal advice? Then we really urge you to make use of the opportunities that are available to you to study at a study place, to work in the office from time to time, to seek help and not to remain struggling alone. Below you will find the different support options we offer from within the university.

Read more about the measures: Coronavirus update 4 January 2022.