General information about Corona

How do operations under Covid 19 conditions work in practice?

Last update: 20 September 2021

3G proof

Access restrictions for events depends on several incidences. Participation in the events is then only possible with a so-called 3G proof (vaccinated, recovered or tested – German: geimpft, genesen, getestet). The university is obliged to check the proofs and must exclude other persons from participation.

During staff meetings, the obligation to wear a mask and to keep the minimum distance still applies. These protective measures may only be waived if the 3G status of all participants is known. Disclosure of one's own status remains voluntary. Further Details in the “Serviceportal”.

Working

In the Coronavirus Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance from 1 July 2021 some of the rules had been relaxed. In the coming weeks, RUB will nevertheless keep up the current home office regulations: Employees who want to and for whom it is possible can continue to work from home. However, it is also possible to work on campus once again – while maintaining social distancing and airing the rooms frequently.

In order to meet all health and safety requirements, ongoing vaccination is crucial. Since 18 August 2021, all employees who wished to be vaccinated have received their second dose. Since 13 September, employees spend at least 50 per cent of their working hours on campus once again.

Mandatory tests after five-day absence

Employees who have been absent from work for at least five consecutive working days (for holidays or equivalent business trips) must show a negative test result from a test centre (“citizen test” or PCR test) on the first day of working after the break. A proof of recovery from Covid 19 or a proof of complete immunization is also valid. Detailed regulations can be found in the “Serviceportal” or on the page "Questions and answers for employees".

Face mask

A surgical face mask or a FFP2 mask must be worn everywhere inside all RUB buildings.

Lectures, seminars, exams

In the current summer semester, most courses at RUB take place online, but the plans for the winter semester 2021/22 are taking shape. The goal is to provide a more or less normal semester with many in-person classes. While planning the winter semester, RUB also takes on first-year and second-year students who haven’t been able to access the campus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Students who will be starting their studies in October 2021 are also being considered. The aim is to provide as many introductory and basic courses as possible on campus.

University library and learning rooms

There are various places for students to learn on campus. The page places of learning provides an up-to-date overview. The University Library has been open again since 6 September 2021.

Excursions and business trips

The current regulations on business and research trips are available on a fact sheet in the “Serviceportal”.

Key rules for operations under Covid-19 conditions

• Reducing contacts: Reduce meetings with other persons to the absolute minimum. Work from home, where possible.
• For necessary contacts: Keep at least 1.5 m distance to others. Protective measures: proper ventilation (see below), where appropriate use additional plexiglass shields. At least a surgical face mask must be worn (see below).
• Corona tests: Employees who do not work exclusively from home are entitled to two Corona self-test kits per week.
• Keep your distance! At least 1.5 meters (5 feet). If that’s not possible, use plexiglass partition or cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth.
• Face masks: A surgical face mask or a FFP2 mask must be worn everywhere inside all RUB buildings.
• Communication: If possible always communicate by phone, email or video conference. In-person meetings are possible if appropriate hygiene measures are ensured.
• Greetings: Avoid at all cost! No handshakes! No hugs!
• Rooms in general: Air all rooms regularly or leave ventilation/air conditioning switched on.
• Confined spaces: (e.g. lifts, toilets, changing rooms, photocopy rooms, tea kitchens) should be used by one person at a time.
• Social rooms: Should be used only by persons who are not allowed to eat and drink at the workplace (e.g. laboratory, workshop). Only one or a few persons at a time. Seats at a distance of at least 1.5 m (5 feet) next to each other (not facing each other).
• Office workstations: Use office space individually if possible. In this case, the face mask can be taken off. If offices have to be used by more than one person at the same time: chairs have to be at least 1.5 m apart and are placed next to each other, not opposite each other. Additionally plexiglass shields may be used as a protective measure.
• Workshops and labs: Follow the distancing rules. Don’t share any personal protective equipment with others. If possible, don’t share any tools with others, clean them regularly and wear gloves when tools are used by more than one person.

Key rules for Covid-19 infection, symptoms, contact, international travel

• Covid-19 infection verified: Patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 are not allowed to enter the RUB campus and facilities until the responsible public health department has lifted the quarantine.
• Symptoms present: Persons with symptoms of a respiratory tract infection (cough, sniffles, sore throat with/without fever) and/or suffering from newly occurring odour or taste disorders are not allowed to enter their workplace; please contact your doctor instead (if necessary Covid-19 test, sick leave).
• Contact with a patient: Immunised (i.e. fully vaccinated or recovered) employees who have had contact with people who have tested positive should avoid close contact in the workplace to protect colleagues and wear an FFP2 mask when having personal contact with others. If it is possible on official business, work can also be done in a home office. In consultation with superiors, home office is also possible in order to be able to fulfil care responsibilities more easily (for example, in the case of children who have tested positive). Persons, who are not immunised, who have had direct contact with a Covid-19 patient may only enter the RUB campus and facilities after the quarantine imposed by the health department has ended (at the earliest 14 days after contact).
• International travel: During quarantine periods, RUB campus and facilities may not be entered. Please see the “Corona Einreiseverordnung NRW” (i.e. entry regulations NRW) for detailed information.
• Current information sheet as PDF.

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