Partial lifting of general face mask requirement

In line with the Federal Council’s easing of measures to contain the coronavirus, and in response to a proposal from the Crisis Management team, the Executive Board has decided to further relax COVID restrictions on campus and has approved the basic parameters for a new version of the master plan. This will be finalised over the coming days and is due to go live on the web on Tuesday. The easing already comes into force on Saturday, 26 June 2021 and is valid at least until mid-August. Changes include partial lifting of the general requirement to wear a face mask and permission for gatherings such as drinks receptions outdoors.

Face masks no longer compulsory outdoors

Wearing a face mask will no longer be compulsory outdoors on campus from this Saturday. However, the rule of maintaining a minimum physical distance of 1.5 metres will still apply. In situations where close contact is unavoidable (such as queuing in front of food stands), face masks must still be worn.

“The easing of these constraints gives us back some freedom,” comments Ulrich Weidmann, head of the ETH Crisis Management team. But everyone should be aware that it is now more important than ever to observe the physical distancing rule. Hygiene rules, such as washing or sanitising your hands, also continue to apply as important and essential measures for containing the spread of the virus.

Easing of the requirement to wear face masks indoors

The requirement to wear a face mask indoors has been partly relaxed. Employees, researchers and students do not have to wear face masks in their respective workplaces as long as a minimum distance of 1.5 metres can be maintained and room capacity allows for at least 10 square metres of space per person. Supervisors may still require people to wear face masks in some areas.

Face masks must still be worn when moving around buildings. The same applies for discussions, meetings or face-to-face contact with customers – even if physical distancing and room occupancy requirements are observed. The only exception is small meetings, where masks may be removed if everyone agrees.

“The pandemic is not over yet. Not everyone is fully vaccinated, and there are people who cannot be vaccinated on health grounds. When it comes to wearing a face mask, we therefore need to be considerate, talk to each other and take other colleagues’ concerns seriously. It’s far better to wear a mask too much than too little,” cautions Ulrich Weidmann. Vulnerable people with a medical condition should consult their doctor and talk to their supervisor to agree on a solution, such as working in a separate office or working remotely from home.

Simplified safety protocol for teaching

As far as teaching is concerned, the government’s latest measures allow us to simplify the current safety protocol for Spring Semester 2021. Face-to-face teaching can recommence. Following the safe and successful conduct of the last two exam sessions, students will also attend examinations scheduled for the second half of August on campus, with protective measures in place that are likely comparable with those in prior sessions. The Rectorate will be providing information about the conduct of the session exams at the beginning of August at the latest.

Working from home still recommended, but…

Thanks to the university’s own testing programme, working from home (“home office”) was already downgraded from a requirement to a recommendation on 7 June 2021. Nothing will change here: anyone who works more efficiently or more productively on campus is encouraged to come on site. The forthcoming summer holiday should leave ample room capacity in offices and laboratories. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that physical distancing and room occupancy requirements are observed. They may require their staff to work on site only for reasons of operational necessity. Anyone who regularly works at least one day a week on campus and has not already had two vaccinations, or has not already recovered from COVID, has the option of being tested once a week. They can have a regular PCR saliva test as part of the ETH CoVMass testing programme; alternatively they can visit a pharmacy for a rapid antigen test.

... preparations under way for a return to the workplace

The chance to return to the university for a day now and then should be seen as an opportunity to get used to campus life again. As Ulrich Weidmann explains: “We need to gradually get used to the idea of returning to our regular work schedule after the summer break. To make sure we’re fully prepared, all supervisors and their teams should reflect on the best way to manage the return to work”.

Outdoor drinks receptions possible once more

The new master plan will include an easing of restrictions on gastronomy services. The rule on the maximum number of people per table indoors or outdoors will no longer apply to catering by ETH gastronomy services. In line with government rules, guests are now free to consume food and drink outdoors without having to be seated. Anyone wanting to organise an outdoor drinks reception without ETH gastronomy services must apply to the ETH Zurich Permits Office.

Due to the persistent risk of infection, indoor drinks receptions are still not allowed as a general rule. It is, however, possible to drink while seated at events catered for by ETH gastronomy providers.

Following the Federal Council’s decision to relax rules on organising events, ETH is also updating the rules for event permits. Details will be available on the Campus Services website from Tuesday onwards. The sports programme offered by ASVZ has started up again. Details can be found on the external page ASVZ website.

Travel restrictions also relaxed

When it comes to travelling, the most important change is a reduction in the number of countries on the list of high-risk countries issued by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This now only contains countries or regions where virus variants of concern to Switzerland are in circulation. Despite the general easing of travel restrictions, all ETH members should continue to think very carefully about whether a trip abroad is really necessary.

A step forwards

Ulrich Weidmann summarises the situation: “The partial easing of the requirement to wear face masks and the relaxation of other rules represent a big step towards pre-COVID normality, despite the constraints that still apply”. He hopes these steps will not have to be reversed: “The situation is still unstable, especially considering new virus variants or the upcoming colder months of the year.” So everyone must continue to be cautious and vigilant.

The Crisis Management team is still monitoring the situation very closely. Further easing of restrictions can be expected after the summer holidays. To ensure maximum protection against the virus, the Executive Board advises all ETH members wherever possible to get the COVID-19 vaccination.