Dear colleagues,
The headlines have been dominated by news of the pathogen COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) spreading across the world. Once again and on behalf of the entire Presidential Board, I would like to take this opportunity to advise you of the following:
Until further notice, the Presidential Board urges staff and students to postpone any (business) trips and research or study periods to regions at risk, as well as to cancel participation in conferences taking place in these regions.
Which areas are defined as regions at risk? According to information issued by the Robert Koch Institute on 26 February 2020, the following areas are currently defined as regions at risk:
China: The Hubei province (including the city of Wuhan) as well as the cities Wenzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Taizhou in the Zhejiang province
Iran: The Ghom province
Italy: The province of Lodi in the Lombardy region as well as the city of Vo in the province of Padua in the Venetia region
South Korea: The province of Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang)
Depending on the current situation, this definition will be adjusted regularly. Further information can be found at the end of this email.
Anyone who has recently travelled to or returned from affected areas, should be wary of symptoms they may have developed and seek medical attention immediately. Please always phone in advance and inform your health care provider that you have recently returned from an area affected by the virus.
Please be advised that this information is particularly relevant for those
- having recently visited areas defined as regions at risk,
- having recently been in contact with persons from these areas,
- planning to visit the affected regions or
- planning to enter Germany or visiting Hannover in the near future after returning from these areas – irrespective of their nationality.
In the interest of all employees and students, I strongly recommend following basic rules of hygiene:
Hygiene rules
The following precautionary measures regarding hygiene significantly reduce the risk of infection with airborne diseases such as influenza (flu) or the coronavirus:
- Avoid shaking hands
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (min. 20 seconds)
- Keep your hands away from your face
- Cough or sneeze using a paper tissue or the crook of your elbow
- Ventilate rooms regularly
Thank you for your vigilance. It is of extreme value in the interest of all members of Leibniz University Hannover. The Presidential Board of Leibniz University Hannover observes the current situation with the utmost attention and maintains contact with other universities and the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony.
Kind regards,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
Further information:
Robert Koch Institute – SARS-CoV-2 in Germany
German Federal Foreign Office – Information Concerning the Coronavirus (only available in German)
German Federal Foreign Office – Current Travel and Security Information Concerning China (only available in German)
Robert Koch Institute – Leaflet for travellers returning from China or another region at risk*
Regions at risk defined by the Robert Koch Institute* (only available in German)
Recommended course of action for preventing infections issued by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) (only available in German)
Coronavirus hotline of the Federal Ministry of Health +49 30 346 465100 (BMG)
