Metropolia students and staff will return to campuses in a controlled manner at the beginning of the autumn semester 2020.
Back to campuses or studying remotely?
The so-called hybrid model is used, in which part of the teaching is remote and some is organized on campus.
Contact teaching is introduced in those courses that require attendance, such as labs and simulations. For new students, Metropolia aims to organize learning situations on campuses in order to make starting the studies and joining our university community as successful as possible.
Metropolia’s goal is to make everyone’s studies progress safely even during these exceptional times. To achieve this, following guidelines are applied:
- Safety distances of 1-2 meters are maintained on campus and in the teaching facilities.
- Metropolia offers face masks in those teaching spaces where it is not possible to have these safety distances.
- No-one should come to campuses with any symptoms of a respiratory infection. This applies to all students, staff, and campus visitors. These symptoms include e.g. cough, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, abdominal symptoms and headache.
- Those at risk groups should avoid all close contact during the epidemic. Therefore, it is not recommended to participate in contact education. If you belong to a risk group, contact your Head of Degree Programme immediately. A list of Metropolia’s Heads of Degree Programme can be found here.
Campus facilities: libraries and student restaurants
Services such as library and student restaurants are open in the campuses.
The safety distance guidelines apply also in the student restaurant. Take care of good hand hygiene: wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before eating. The course schedules have been taken into consideration so that there would not be too many people having lunch at the same time.
Libraries opened on Monday 10.8.2020. The library’s premises comply with Metropolia’s corona instructions and safety measures, such as adequate physical distance and adequate hand hygiene. If you have any symptoms, do not go to the library but book the books online and try to organize getting the books in another way, like asking a friend to pick them up for you. More information about the schedule and the locations of the library can be found here.
It may be possible that Metropolia has to change its autumn action plan in accordance with possible new official instructions and decisions. We strongly recommend following actively OMA’s press releases from Metropolia’s Management Team here.
Face masks: what is required in Metropolia?
Face masks are used in those teaching situations where safe distances are not possible or the studies themselves require close contact with people. The instructions of the National Institute for Health and Welfare regarding face masks are followed.
Protective equipment has been procured for campuses based on requests made by degree programs. Degree programmes that have identified their need are responsible for the acquisition and distribution of protective equipment. The teacher can apply for the required number of face masks in contact teaching from the lobby services. If you need a face mask, be sure to inform your Head of Degree Programme and the course teacher.
Remember these things when using a fabric face mask
- If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, follow these THL’s home care guidelines.
- Always follow the most important control measures:
- good hand hygiene
- good cough hygiene
- avoiding close contacts with other people
- avoiding touching your face, nose and mouth.
- Applying and removing the face mask requires care so that the soiled mask does not pose a risk of infection. The mask must always be handled with clean hands.
- The face mask should be kept clean and washed in 90 degree water after each use or placed in the trash.
- A face mask is not suitable for everyone: for example, it may be difficult or impossible for children or people with lung disease to use the mask.
- Make sure you can breathe normally through the mask.
There are no clear standards for the production of fabric face masks and their protective effect cannot therefore be guaranteed. You are responsible for the safe use of the mask yourself.
Traveling to campuses
HSL recommends the use of face masks in public transport. Passenger numbers are expected to increase over the autumn, and it may not always be possible to keep a distance of 1-2 meters with other passengers on public transport. HSL still recommends scheduling trips outside of the busiest times, if possible.
The use of face masks is one precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. Other guidelines for safe travel are still as important as before: don’t travel sick, keep your distance from other passengers where possible, be sure to wash your hands, and if you need to cough or sneeze, do it on your sleeve or handkerchief.
More information on public transport can be found here.
More info about this:
Nimo Samatar
The Vice-Chairperson of the board of METKA
You can reach the whole board of METKA easily on this address – hallitus@metkaweb.fi
This post is also available in Suomi.