During the summer period, the Reconnect working group, which was formed by the University of Twente during the COVID-19 pandemic, worked on an approach should COVID-19 revive in the coming autumn or winter period. This approach uses so-called scenarios drawn up by the Dutch government. Based on the severity of the situation, the government determines the health risk and the applicable scenario. According to the approach prepared by the working group, certain measures are then taken. These should help minimise the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the continuity of UT's operations.
In UT's approach, we are committed to continuing physical education on campus as much as possible, in line with the Dutch government's national sector plan, which concludes that distance education is not optimal, particularly for the wellbeing of both staff and students. Study-related social activities are also important and we want to continue facilitating these as much as possible.
The first version of this approach was discussed in University Council last week. The document can be read here. Following the University Council discussion, a further refinement of the document is being made. In this, the UC and the drafters of the scenario document are working closely together.
This should lead to an updated approach, which we hope to adopt and put into use fairly soon. Once this approach is ready, it will be communicated to all staff and students.
Want to know more about the University Council discussion? U-Today reporter Michaela Nesvarova was present at the council meeting and wrote this news item about the discussion.
Should any short-term measures be needed, before the approach is finalised, we will act in line with the principles in this document and communicate them.
