UAS presi­dents and student unions appeal to students to stop the spread of coronavirus

Finland’s coron­avirus situation is rapidly deteri­o­rating, and there are also chains of infection among students at univer­sities of applied sciences. This has led to an increase in distance learning and even to the closure of campuses in different parts of Finland.

Many of the infec­tions have origi­nated from events where many students have gathered during their free time. The rectors and student unions of univer­sities of applied sciences would like to remind students of respon­sible behaviour.

Infection chains have had severe conse­quences; teaching has had to be inter­rupted at higher education insti­tu­tions, and campuses have had to be shut down in several locations. Due to the chains of infection from last week and weekend, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences have been closed in their entirety as have the Novia University of Applied Sciences campus in Vaasa and the Xamk campus in Savonlinna.

Every person working and studying on campuses now bears great respon­si­bility for their own behaviour, so we can prevent the spread of coron­avirus infections.

Please avoid partic­i­pation in larger events at this time. Also, comply with instruc­tions on safety intervals, masks, and hygiene.

These are the only means for ensuring that univer­sities of applied sciences can continue to offer contact teaching. Teaching on campuses is part of maintaining our community identity, which many have felt is especially important during these excep­tional times.

We can all reduce the risk of campuses being closed because of corona.

If you are concerned about the current corona situation, you can contact [email protected].