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Exchange programmes in the second semester, coronavirus access passes and face masks

24 November 2021

Now that coronavirus cases are rising again, we understand that many students and staff are becoming anxious and may have many questions.

For the time being, education can continue on the campus, the measures announced by the government on 12 November apply and we are doing everything possible to create a safe environment for everyone. However, we would urge everyone to continue to follow the basic rules. In this update, you can read more about exchange programmes in the second semester, coronavirus access passes and the obligation to wear a face mask.

Exchange programmes

We consider it important for students to be able to follow an exchange programme at a foreign university. Therefore, it has been decided to allow the exchange programmes in the second semester of the 2021/2022 academic year to go ahead, despite the stricter coronavirus measures. This decision has been made after carefully considering the health situation in the respective countries, the academic added value of the programme and its feasibility. We are pleased that students with plans for an exchange will be able to go. Various strict conditions apply, however, such as a positive travel advice (code green or yellow) on the day of departure. Read the conditions here.

Coronavirus access pass

The Dutch government is working on a bill to introduce the coronavirus access pass in higher education. This involves the 3G measure (as opposed to 2G), whereby you can access locations with the coronavirus access pass if you have been vaccinated, have been tested or have recovered from coronavirus. It has yet to be discussed in the Dutch House of Representatives and could be introduced after obtaining advice from the Outbreak Management Team.

The UvA has previously spoken out against a QR check in higher education and the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) also opposes its introduction. The current bill requires universities to have an access pass, but at the same time to be accessible to everyone. According to the VSNU, this is an impossible combination.

By means of these updates, we will keep you informed about the introduction of the coronavirus access pass and what this means for staff and students.

Obligation to wear a face mask 

Unfortunately, we notice that not everyone on the campus is wearing a face mask. It is mandatory in all buildings for everyone to wear a face mask when moving from one room to another in the building, so please do so! The face mask may be removed when sitting during lectures. This measure is important to ensure that physical education remains possible on the campus. If you forget your face mask, you can get one at the campus reception.

From Wednesday 24 November, it is once again mandatory to maintain a 1.5-metre distance from other people, but higher education is exempt from this obligation. However, we would ask you to keep as much distance as possible and to stick to the basic rules. As a reminder, all the basic rules are summarised here.

Additional information