Coronavirus

Updated content (30 September 2021)

• Certification requirement: Updated protection concept from 18 October 2021

Introduction of the certification requirement

In accordance with the Federal Council Ordinance of 8 September 2021, the FHNW is introducing mandatory certification in the areas of degree programmes, continuing education, libraries and events at the FHNW. Certificates are already required in the canteens, at continuing education activities involving more than 30 persons, at events involving third parties, and for users of the libraries.

The campus restaurants/canteens at the FHNW are subject to the current separate provisions for catering establishments.

The certification requirement is being extended to degree courses from 18 October 2021. The protection concept is being adapted accordingly.

FHNW protection concept

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the “special situation” as defined by the Epidemics Act has been in force in Switzerland since 19 June 2020. Based on this act, the Federal Council issued the Covid 19 Ordinance and amended it on 8 September 2021.

The FHNW Covid-19 protection concept applies from Monday, 18 October 2021 as follows:

In-person activities

Access to FHNW premises is only permitted for students, continuing education participants, staff and visitors with a valid Covid-19 certificate or proof of a negative PCR test from the FHNW.

• The following persons may not access FHNW premises, even with a valid certificate: Persons who have symptoms that could be caused by the new coronavirus or who have tested positive for the coronavirus (see FOPH instructions regarding isolation).
• Persons who live in the same household as a person or who have had close contact with a person whose illness with the new coronavirus has been confirmed (see FOPH instructions on quarantine) and who themselves have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from a previous infection.

Testing and costs

The FHNW offers FHNW students and staff a PCR test (valid for 72 hrs), which allows access to the premises of the FHNW.

These FHNW tests are offered to students free of charge until further notice. The costs for all other tests are to be borne by students themselves. According to the FOPH, the Confederation will cover the costs of tests in lieu of certification for students for whom vaccination is not possible for medical reasons.

The tests offered by the FHNW are not available to continuing education participants. They must bear the costs for tests in lieu of certification themselves. According to the FOPH, the Confederation will cover the costs of tests in lieu of certification for continuing education participants for whom vaccination is not possible for medical reasons.

In the case of staff work on the premises, the costs of tests in lieu of certification will be borne by the FHNW.

Requirement to wear a protective mask at the FHNW

Masks must still be worn in the public areas of the FHNW (including teaching rooms). 

Alternative modalities

Where possible, students and continuing education participants are provided with online alternatives to in-person teaching.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective means of protecting oneself and others against Covid-19 and its potentially severe complications, and of helping to stem the spread of the pandemic. This is why the FHNW recommends its staff and students to receive the vaccine (FOPH information). ​​

In the 2021 autumn semester, the cantons will be offering FHNW students and staff a mobile vaccination scheme at various FHNW campuses. Details of the mobile vaccination programme can be found on Inside FHNW.

For more information please visit the FHNW website.