10/03/20
News
The safety and well-being of our students, staff and community at large is our highest priority.
The University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, of which CERAH is part, are carefully monitoring the development of the novel coronavirus spread in all affected countries and regions (Swiss Federal Office of Public Health).
In line with the new measures announced on 13 March by the Federal Council to stem the spread of coronavirus, CERAH is suspending all in-person teaching from Monday 16 March until further advice. All teaching will therefore move online.
From Monday 16 March, CERAH is making teleworking the priority for all employees whose responsibilities allow it. Opting for teleworking, which is fully consistent with our rapid implementation of distance learning solutions, will allow the institution to fulfill its fundamental missions in a sustainable way, despite these exceptional circumstances. It will also significantly reduce use of public transport and thus facilitate social distancing, which is essential to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Please note that CERAH will continue to adapt its policies at any time in response to new recommendations linked to this rapidly evolving situation. Any change will be immediately reflected on this page.
ACCESS TO CERAH PREMISES
From Monday 16 March until further notice, all in-person teaching is suspended and replaced by online teaching.
- Students are asked to continue their classes online.
- Staff members are encouraged to opt for teleworking to the extent that their responsibilities allow it. CERAH’s premises remain accessible to all personnel whose presence is essential for activities related to online teaching, research and central services, however they are closed for students and visitors.
- People showing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other influenza symptoms) must stay at home and isolate themselves. If they consider themselves to be at especially high risk or if symptoms get worse, they must contact their doctor or a health center by telephone.
IMPORTANT: if you are current CERAH student, or if you have applied for a course taking place between March and June 2020 and would like to receive more detailed information about your course, please contact your course coordinator.
PREVENTION FOR REDUCING EXPOSURE AND TRANSMISSION
Following the recommendations (WHO Guidelines) in terms of personal hygiene and social behavior is the most effective tool to contain the transfer of the virus:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately into a closed bin.
- Maintain a social distance of at least one metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid all physical greeting contact such as hand shaking.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid transfer of virus.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, stay home and seek medical attention.
If you do not have a treating doctor, call
- Genève Médecins (GeMed) +41 22 754 54 54
- Médecins Urgences au +41 22 321 21 21
- SOS-Médecins au +41 22 748 49 50
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has created a Coronavirus hotline:
- For the general public (7/7, 24/24): 058 463 00 00
- For Geneva based public (7/7 from 10:00 to 22:00): 0800 909 400
- For travellers: 058 464 44 88
USEFUL LINKS
This page will be updated as the situation evolves.