Leibniz University Hannover University News & Events
Message from university management to LUH employees and members

Message from university management to LUH employees and members

Dear colleagues and university members,

I would like to take this opportunity to provide further information on the latest developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic. In light of the significant increase of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Germany and the Hannover region, the emergency committee of Leibniz University Hannover has re-evaluated the current situation.

Actively limiting social interactions ("social distancing") is crucial to break the chain of infection as well as to stop the exponential growth rate, thus slowing the spread of the virus. We have therefore resolved additional measures, which will have a significant impact on university life.

  1. Working from home
    In order to ensure the welfare of LUH employees, duties shall only be performed on university premises if this is strictly necessary. The respective supervisors shall decide whether duties at Leibniz University Hannover must be carried out on-site or may be performed while working from home. All members of staff not required to be present in the workplace shall work from home. If this is not possible due to the nature of their duties, paid special leave shall be granted. Supervisors must ensure that operations can be maintained to the required extent. In particular, employees must be available via email and telephone. If possible and where appropriate, it may be advisable that employees work in alternating shifts operating either from home or on campus.

  2. Employees with an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms (according to the high-risk groups defined by the Robert Koch Institute: www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogruppen.html), shall always work from home.

  3. Members of staff equipped with laptops provided by the university must take these devices home. This also applies to weekends or when on holiday. There is no need to work on weekends or during holidays. However, if members of staff are instructed to stay in isolation, this will enable them to work from home and maintain day-to-day operations. The same applies to existing headsets and mobile phones.

  4. Business trips are prohibited until further notice. Approval that was granted for business trips occurring within the period between now and 15 April 2020 is hereby withdrawn. In the event that travel is unavoidable due to official obligations, valid reason must be substantiated in writing to university management. Approval of travel shall occur exclusively via university management.

  5. Effective immediately, all lectures and events must be cancelled.

  6. As of now, all planned events at Leibniz University Hannover involving external guests must be cancelled. This includes conferences, meetings, readings, interviews and guided tours.

  7. Social contact within departments should also be reduced to a minimum, instead utilising other forms of communication (email, telephone, etc.). Meetings involving more than 5 people are not permitted.

Whether at the university, in home office or in private life: Please do your bit by reducing any social contact. This applies to all types of events and gatherings. It is not only in the interest of your own personal health, but also helps to minimise the risk for other more vulnerable groups and above all, to give the health system time to care for those seriously affected. We know that social distancing is an extremely drastic measure. However, we urge every individual to strictly observe these measures in the interest of the entire community.

If you have any specific questions regarding employment legislation, please contact Dr Nicole Neuvians (+49 511 762 2203, nicole.neuvians@zuv.uni-hannover.de).

In both a professional and personal respect, the current situation is a significant challenge for all - a challenge that we can only overcome together.

Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President