Further strengthening of protection provisions

The protective provisions in force at USI will be further strengthened as of Thursday, 22 October 2020. The obligation to wear a mask in the classroom will come into force on both Lugano and Mendrisio campuses. From now on, wearing a mask is therefore mandatory:

- In all classrooms, in addition to the distance of 1.5 m
- In all common indoor areas, including in the study areas, open workspaces for PhD students and researchers, as well as previously specified in the hallways, bathrooms, etc..
- In all other areas when social distance cannot be kept

The obligation does not apply outside of the buildings, in which case social distance must be kept at all times.

The measure has been decided by the Rectorate to be consistent with USI's approach to health crisis management, which focuses on the well-being of our community and on supporting the efforts of the cantonal and federal authorities. From a procedural point of view, USI is not subject to the general obligation introduced by the Canton this week concerning the use of face masks in schools of secondary education. Nevertheless, the Rectorate has decided to strengthen the protection provisions to promote campus life and classroom attendance for as long as possible, putting as many members of our community at ease.

Safeguarding the value of being together as a community

As Rector Prof. Boas Erez illustrated in his message to the academic community, "if there is one thing this situation has taught us, it is the value of being together as a community. A value that must be preserved by making an additional effort".

"Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns on [email protected]. I invite you to continue to do so to allow us to grasp the current situation and engage in a dialogue - albeit at a distance - that I consider particularly important in these uncertain times", continues the Rector.

Information on possible positive cases and switching to online

The Protection Provisions will be integrated as soon as possible with new chapters on two issues that arose from the suggestions by the academic community to the Rectorate:

• the policy of information on potential positive cases
• the conditions for the transition from teaching in attendance to online teaching.

Services opening hours and modalities

The University Services have reorganised to continue working for you in smart working mode and on-site. The #USI Services page "Open, in a different way" has been reactivated and is now being updated, to give you an overview of the situation. Click here to visit the page.