Neuruppin, 13 March 2020
The Brandenburg Medical School has adopted restrictive measures to prevent a spread of the CoVID-19 pandemic at the MHB.
MHB president Prof. Edmund Neugebauer: “The illness will probably be harmless for most of us. However, as the virus multiplies in the upper respiratory tract – unlike SARS – it is highly infectious before symptoms occur. Even under favourable assumptions, an uncontrolled spread will result in cases of severe illness and avoidable death, and extreme strain on the health system. The MHB is aware of its particular responsibilities in health care and society.”
The MHB task force SARS-CoV-2 set up by Prof. Frank Hufert (virology) last week has taken the following preventive steps to protect students and staff, in addition to general recommendations:
- The semester will start on 1 April 2020 as planned. However, on-site instruction will be suspended up to and including 19 April 2020. For this period, instruction will be organized via electronic platforms and video conferences. Students are requested to stay at home and thus help to slow down the spread of the pandemic and protect themselves and others.
- Practical-year students are requested to adhere to regulations passed by the respective clinics.
- Dates and alternative dates for repeat exams, registration, events for first-semester students etc. are currently under revision.
- Other scheduled events are suspended for the time being, including the matriculation ceremony scheduled for 3 April 2020.
- Activities in administration and research will continue where possible. For MHB staff this means that they should work from home whenever possible, subject to consultation with their superiors (‘home office’). Work from home is obligatory for all MHB staff who may have been in contact with infected persons. All MHB employees showing influenza symptoms are recommended to have themselves tested without delay. Positive test results are to be reported at sekretariat@mhb-fontane.de, so that there is a chance to control infection routes within the MHB.
- A ban has been declared on all business trips outside the MHB locations. Public traffic in MHB buildings is to be reduced to a minimum.
Neugebauer hopes that these steps will contribute to infection prophylaxis at the MHB and to the protection of students, staff and the general public: “We are convinced this is the best way to ensure ongoing instruction and minimize adverse effects.”
General rules of conduct
Please note that information on CoVID-19 will be updated continuously, and please consult responsible sources, such as the website of the Robert Koch Institute https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/nCoV.html).
Here is a summary of the most important rules:
Observe general hygiene rules:
- recommended sneezing behaviour
- no handshakes
- wash hands frequently and thoroughly (min. 30 seconds according to instructions*)
- keep your hands away from your face
- keep a distance of at least 1.5 m from others in conversation and in public
- ventilate closed rooms at regular intervals
- use the disinfectant dispensers in MHB buildings
In case of respiratory symptoms during your time at home, inform a doctor without delay who will assess the risk involved and test you for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated and will inform the health authorities of a positive test result.
