Mikael about FHM's new recommendations

The Swedish Association of Universities and University Colleges (SUHF) was formed in 1995. SUHF safeguards the interests of universities and colleges externally and acts internally in matters where coordination is needed. 38 universities and colleges are members on a voluntary basis. SUHF was called to a meeting with the Swedish Public Health Agency just before the government's press conference on 7 December. They told the following:

The restrictions/precautionary measures that were e reintroduced on 8 December (phase 1) are not aimed at the higher education institutions' activities. We want to maintain our core operations. When it says that adults are encouraged to work from home to a certain extent, it is thought that the people who are not necessary to maintain normal activities on campus can work from home. When adults are urged to avoid public transport, it is not aimed at our employees or students, but at others, to enable us to keep our education and research going.

They want us to show restraint with public lectures and larger gatherings. There are no general instructions cancelling Christmas parties or Christmas tables etc., but there is a call for these to be carried out as safely as possible. They expressed confidence that we in the operations make wise decisions.

They had not realized the regulatory clash that means that state higher education institutions do not have the right to use Covid-19 passes. It is not their intention that we should not have access to this instrument at events. They said that they will have a dialogue with the Employers' Agency and the government, and promised to return to the issue.

They will call SUHF to an information meeting again if phase 2 becomes relevant.

For KTH, the recommendations mean:

Teaching continues on Campus, but infection control measures should be applied. This could mean access to hand sanitizer and/or opportunities for hand washing, and that larger gatherings of people are carried out in premises where distances can be maintained, also when entering and exiting. The property department at GVS provides hand sanitizer and carries out extended cleaning.

For employees, the workplace should be organized so that distances can be maintained, also in meeting rooms and during breaks. Larger indoor gatherings should be avoided. The recommendation of at least three working days at the workplace remains. The manager decides on telework and temporary work from home.

KTH does not generally advise against Christmas parties and Christmas dinners, but a risk assessment must be made by the manager and an implementation must take place in a way that reduces the risk of infection of COVID-19.

It is everyone's responsibility to keep their distance in public environments and to avoid congested environments. KTH urges everyone who can to get vaccinated against COVID-19, it is still possible to do this during working hours.

Mikael