Dear students,
The first confirmed cases of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have now been reported in Hannover. Consequently, both the Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Health and Equality and officials of the Hannover Region have indicated subsequent measures. The Presidential Board has provided the following important guidelines and urges complete compliance. Please regularly check for new developments via the LUH website (www.uni-hannover.de/corona) and the links featured on that page.
Persons travelling from high-risk areas
In response to the dynamic spread of the infection, the Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Health and Equality has called for measures to reduce social contact in order to slow and prevent spread. These measures apply for persons returning from the high-risk areas or particularly affected regions - defined by the Robert Koch Institute - within the past 14 days. In this case, such persons are not permitted to enter public facilities such as universities and must remain in self-isolation for a period of 14 days from the date of return from the high-risk area or particularly affected region. Such persons are therefore not permitted to enter buildings and facilities of Leibniz University Hannover. Violation of this measure may result in imposed fines in accordance with section 73 paragraph 1a subparagraph 6 of the law on infection protection.
Infection may be suspected if a person has spent time in one of the indicated regions and has had contact with another person at distance of less than 75 centimetres for at least 15 minutes. This does not apply to short stopovers as the result of a connecting journey. Brief contact such as buying petrol, the usual coffee break or a visit to the restroom does not constitute spending time in a high-risk area.
Current high-risk areas and particularly affected regions are listed on the website of the Robert Koch Institute: www.rki.de/ncov-risikogebiete (only available in German). At present (11 March 2020, 12.00), high-risk areas include:
International high-risk areas
- Italy
- Iran
- China: The Hubei province (including the city of Wuhan)
- South Korea: The province of Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang )
- France: The Grand Est region (including Alsace, Lorraine, and Champagne-Ardenne)
Particularly affected regions in Germany
- The Heinsberg district (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Students affected by these provisions - for example if they are unable to attend examinations or meet other obligations related to their studies - should contact their examiners / their degree programme advisor via telephone or email as soon as possible in order to determine an individual course of action. Affected students may reschedule assessments without negative consequences, such as prolonged duration of study.
Events and examinations
For the time being, major events with more than 1,000 participants are prohibited (https://www.hannover.de/Leben-in-der-Region-Hannover/Gesundheit/Gesundheitsschutz/Coranavirus-in-der-Region-Hannover/Allgemeinverf%C3%BCgung-Verbot-von-Gro%C3%9Fveranstaltungen-mit-mehr-als-1.000-Personen) in Hannover and the surrounding region. Beyond that, there is currently no need to cancel any LUH events. It is up to the respective host to decide whether an event will take place. There have been no changes to everyday operations at LUH. At present (11 March), this also applies to examinations, which will take place as scheduled without exception. Naturally - in addition to the information for returning travellers listed above - the usual provisions apply if you are incapable of taking an examination and submit a medical certificate. Further information regarding withdrawal or absence from examinations due to illness can be found on the website of your degree programme under Examinations and Course Advice.
Periods abroad
The Presidential Board recommends cancelling periods abroad in regions defined by the Robert Koch Institute as high-risk areas (https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete.html). Please check if your host university is located in a high-risk area before your departure. If you should choose to proceed, we strongly recommend contacting your host university in advance.
Using digital communication channels
In addition to precautionary measures regarding hygiene (hand hygiene, proper etiquette regarding sneezing and coughing), students should minimise the risk of infection by using digital communication channels. In many cases, queries can be answered online or by calling or emailing LUH service facilities - often outside of regular office hours. Documents may be submitted via the post boxes. Please consider this in your own interest, as well as in the interest of LUH employees.
These measures are necessary to contain the spread of the virus while ensuring that sufficient resources are available for patients who may need critical care. Please bear in mind that this could affect you, as well as family members or friends!
Thank you for your vigilance. It is of extreme value in the interest of all students and employees of Leibniz University Hannover. The Presidential Board of Leibniz University Hannover is observing the current situation with the utmost attention and is in regular contact with other universities as well as the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony.
Kind regards,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
Präsident
