Information on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

As a university, employer and event organiser, we are responsible for doing the best we can to break chains of infection. We have therefore established the guidelines listed below.

The following services are available to answer any questions you may have regarding restricted University operations:

• Email address corona@uni-wh.de: We will answer your questions on restrictions applying to the University’s operations and keep you informed from this email account.
• For data protection reasons, please continue to inform us by sending emails to praevention@uni-wh.de in the possible event of an infection. You can also call +49 (0)2302 / 926 – 38050.

How does the coronavirus spread?

The virus is mainly transmitted from person to person through contact with respiratory droplets, for example via contaminated hands. It does NOT spread through the air. This is why staying away from sick persons is a very effective and simple measure to protect yourself.

General and binding protective and preventive measures at UW/H

These rules apply to all UW/H staff and students on campus:

• Only people who are either vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 or have a valid coronavirus test (antigen or PCR - not older than 48 hours) are allowed on campus.
• Wear a face mask - exceptions are stated where they apply.
• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds or while singing Happy Birthday twice) and desinfect them. Please follow this routine especially when entering the buildings and classrooms and after using the toilets.
• Individuals who have fever must leave the campus and the seminars. This also applies, if you are experincing two of the following COVID-19 symptomes: Cough, sniffles, headche & aching limbs, shortness of breath, sore throat, disturbance of the sense of smell/taste, general weakness.
• Do not shake hands or give hugs.
• Please keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people anywhere possible.
• Make sure you follow good respiratory hygiene when you cough or sneeze:
  • Maintain at least a distance of one metre between yourself and others when coughing or sneezing and turn away from others.
  • It is best to cover your nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Use the tissue only once and dispose of the used tissue immediately in a lidded bin. If you use a handkerchief, wash it at 60 °C afterwards.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing!
  • If no tissue or handkerchief is available, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow and turn away from others.
• Please ventilate regularly and use the Corona App.

For any further queries and information about how to protect yourself, please follow the advice provided at the WHO website and see the Q & A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) site of WHO – in particular the section “What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?”. Alternatively, use the Q & A on COVID-19 site of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Beyond that, the Robert Koch Institute recommends:

• Touch your face as little as possible to prevent pathogens from entering the body via the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice social distancing and stay away from people obviously suffering from a respiratory disease.
• In general, stay at home when you experience respiratory disease symptoms. 

There is an increased risk of infection at places such as airports and hotels, when using public transport or joining large gatherings. In addition, the Federal Foreign Office has issued a worldwide travel warning for all unnecessary tourist trips abroad. Please refrain from travelling to high-risk areas.