To a large extent, higher education - and also the UT - will not be affected by the new measures. Education and research can continue on the same track, as can, for example, PhD ceremonies. The closure of publicly accessible spaces over the next two weeks will have consequences, especially for sports and culture, with the closure of theatres, swimming pools and the cancellation of group lessons. The gym will however remain open. And even if libraries elsewhere in the country close, that does not apply to the library in the Vrijhof: it is seen as a study facility.
Group size and border traffic
The government is also reducing the maximum group size from four to two persons (from different households). Group meetings are therefore not possible, unless they are directly related to education. Regular work situations with colleagues are also excluded, although the UT advises to limit the number of people present as much as possible.
Staff and students living on the other side of the border do not have to worry about the current rules. Such 'local border traffic' remains permitted.
Canteens closed until further notice
As a precaution, Appèl's Foodcity canteens in the Horst and Waaier building will be closed due to two corona infections among canteen staff. Appèl hopes to be able to assess at the end of the week whether and when the canteens can be reopened.
Sword of Damocles
With the worrying infection rates in Twente and the possible regional lockdown, the sword of Damocles hangs over the head of the UT. If this lockdown occurs, it will have far-reaching consequences for the UT.
The university is consulting with the safety region and other authorities on what can and cannot be done in the case of a lockdown in terms of education and research, says corona spokesman Laurens van der Velde. 'Think, for example, of exams that you would prefer to take physically. And during the first wave we experienced that it was absolutely undesirable to stop with research activities again. That's why we're insisting on this, but it's definitely not only us calling the shots.'
