Fortunately, since Monday 17 January, HAN-students are able to receive physical education again, just like at other universities and universities of applied sciences. According to the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) of the RIVM, this is justified and of great importance for the mental health and development of young people.

In order to prevent our educational buildings from another closure, it is and remains important that you adhere to the measures and guidelines.

These measures are:

• A maximum group size of 75 students in classrooms or lecture halls, with the exception of examinations and exams;
• Wearing face masks inside and outside lecture and seminar rooms, also when seated. The school discourages to wear cloth or home-made face masks, the advice is to use disposable ones, preferably medical ones of at least type II. The face mask should always cover nose, mouth and chin;
• The advice to use self-testing preventively twice a week and when having symptoms;
• Continuation of strict hygiene measures and adherence to quarantine guidelines;
• Where present, follow walking routes in the buildings, so that contact is limited;
• Keeping ventilation optimal.

On Saturday 15 January, the HAN Executive Board sent all students an email listing the measures that currently apply at the HAN.

Ordering self-tests
Self tests can be ordered free of charge by students and teachers via Zelftestonderwijs.nl, or collect them from the HAN reception desk. Please continue to test yourself twice a week.

Do you have health problems and/or did you test positive?
Then don’t come to the HAN and stick to the quarantine guidelines. If you’ve had a booster vaccine for minimal one week, you do not have to quarantine when you have been in contact with someone who tested positive. In that case, you can come to the HAN.

Booster vaccine
According to the OMT, it is also important to get the booster shot. In many places it is possible to get the booster shot without an appointment at the GGD. At Prikkenzonderafspraak.nl you can see where you can get a shot quickly.

Exceptions for wearing a face mask

• If wearing a face mask is an impediment to participate in an educational or research activity for you as a student, a lecturer or researcher may decide that you are allowed to not wear a face mask. For example during a presentation, it must be possible to keep a distance of 1.5 metres though. Afterwards, you are obligated to put the face mask back on;
• If wearing a face mask is an obstacle for a teacher or researcher when conducting an educational or research activity and 1.5 metres distance can be kept, the face mask may be removed;
• In examination rooms where 1.5 metres distance can be maintained, students may remove the face mask when seated;
• The face mask may also be removed when eating or drinking, as long as you are sitting or standing at a fixed spot and you are 1.5 metres distanced from others;
• Obviously, people who can’t wear a face mask due to medical reasons are also exempt from this measure. In that case, you must be able to submit a personal statement exempting you from the obligation to wear a face mask.

Sources: HAN, Dutch government