Dear students,
The new regulations to prevent the infection and spread of the coronavirus issued by the State of Lower Saxony have been resolved. As announced in my previous email sent in July, I would like to provide some information regarding learning at Leibniz University Hannover from 1 October.
I am delighted that the new regulations enable us to resume on-campus learning and I know that most students eagerly anticipate this. Under certain conditions, distancing regulations for lectures and courses have been lifted. This paves the way for returning to normal operations in most aspects.
I am also aware that some concerns, questions and insecurities will continue to be on all of our minds over the next weeks. I am confident that we will achieve this through our cooperative working environment and effective exchange.
For individual guidance on on-campus learning, more vulnerable students are welcome to contact the equal opportunities officer of Leibniz University Hannover (beratung@chancenvielfalt.uni-hannover.de).
Currently, on-campus learning can only be facilitated under certain conditions. The regulations to prevent the infection and spread of the coronavirus issued by the State of Lower Saxony provide guidelines for this. Let me explain in the following what rules will be implemented.
3G rule
From 1 October, the 3G rule must be observed by anyone entering LUH buildings. Consequently, access will be restricted to persons who have been vaccinated or have recovered from a COVID-19 infection as well as those able to provide a negative test result. This will ensure the safety of all LUH members. Proof of testing must have been issued by a family doctor or test centre. The test result must have been obtained within the past 24 hours (rapid tests) or within the past 48 hours (PCR tests). Self-tests are insufficient. The university will not provide tests; nationwide and free of charge vaccination appointments are available via family doctors. In addition, please make use of the vaccination days available at LUH by booking an appointment!
Proof of vaccination must be provided as defined in the regulations governing exemptions from protective measures against COVID-19 ("SchAusnahmV") and the coronavirus entry regulations ("CoronaEinreiseV"), see FAQ section 1.3.
Proof of recovery must be issued by the responsible health authority.
I would like to emphasise that accessing LUH buildings without proof of a negative official test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery is considered as trespassing and will be prosecuted.
From 1 October, proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test result (proof of compliance with the 3G rule) must be provided for all on-campus learning activities in order to attend lectures and courses. Anyone unable to provide adequate proof cannot attend lectures and courses. This applies to all participants of lectures and courses including students, lecturers as well as all other involved persons.
In particular, on-campus learning activities include all lectures and courses as well as access to examination records.
Ensuring compliance with the 3G rule in teaching
In accordance with the regulations to prevent the infection and spread of the coronavirus issued by the State of Lower Saxony, compliance with the 3G rule must be verified. Checks will be conducted by members of teaching staff or authorised personnel. Please be prepared for checks at the entrance of the building (designated entrances for accessing the building!) or in front of the lecture hall. Further details, such as which entrances to use, will be provided by the relevant member of staff in a timely manner.
The burden of proof regarding compliance with the 3G rule lies with the user, as well as legal violations if proof cannot be provided.
Face mask requirements
LUH buildings
Face mask requirements (medical face mask or FFP2 mask) apply in all LUH buildings and all traffic areas, even if a minimum distance of 1.5 m can be maintained. Please wear face masks correctly, i.e. covering both your mouth and your nose.
Courses/lectures
Face mask requirements (medical face mask or FFP2 mask) apply in all courses/lectures until students have reached their seat or as soon as they vacate their seat. If a minimum distance of 1.5 m cannot be maintained, masks must be worn during courses/lectures. Members of teaching staff able to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 m to the auditorium are not required to wear a face mask.
Members of teaching staff have been asked to ensure that masks are worn correctly and will approach students who do not comply with this. Students refusing to wear masks correctly after having been asked to do so must leave the lecture. Non-compliance is considered as trespassing and will be prosecuted. If necessary, the lecture will be discontinued.
Study areas
Study areas are available for use. If a study area is used by more than one person, all persons present must wear a medical face mask or FFP2 mask.
Further details on many processes will be determined over the next two weeks. Thank you for your patience in this matter. The FAQ website at www.uni-hannover.de/corona/ will be updated accordingly in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience.
Finally, I would like to emphasise that teaching activities should take place on campus. Members of teaching staff have been asked to make sure that any online formats planned as an exception are held asynchronously. Where possible, streaming or hybrid lectures are particularly encouraged.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
