UNYP response to temporary school closures by the Ministry of Health

As a result of the decision by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic on 10 March, 2020, students will not be allowed to be present on University premises, including the University of New York in Prague, from 11 March, 2020. This is a precautionary effort to stem the possibility of COVID-19 transmission in public places. Due to uncertainty related to steps being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Europe, particularly travel-related restrictions, UNYP has decided to guarantee the conducting of online classes in all bachelor’s programs until the end of the Spring semester.

The University of New York in Prague and our partners have been intensively preparing for this possibility for some time now, and are fully prepared to adapt to online learning with only minor disruptions to courses, and to conduct school business as usual from home. 

The following adaptations will take place immediately:

·       attendance in all classes on 10 March 2020 from 15:00 will not be compulsory for students who do not wish to attend. Classes will take place, but attendance will not be recorded, or count in terms of grades.

·       classes at UNYP from 11-13 March, 2020, are cancelled, unless the class has otherwise been arranged to take place online.

·       all classes in the daily bachelor’s program continue ONLINE from Monday 16 March, 2020. All faculty have been informed and offered training and support for the eventuality of conducting classes in the course e-learning system. Students should check their course e-learning page from Monday morning for information about how the course will proceed.

·  UNYP administration will continue to operate as normal. 

Students and faculty are asked to follow the following procedures:

o   it is imperative that students and faculty are regularly checking their official UNYP email account for information and instructions about online courses, and updates about the situation.

o   be sure that your mobile telephone number is updated with the Registrar’s office so that UNYP can easily contact you by sms updates.

o   in the event of any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact by email the relevant school office, or instructor. School affairs will carry on as usual, all employees are equipped to work from home, and are ready to assist you and make sure that your needs are met as best they can.

o   follow the UNYP webpage for information about the recommencement of presence-based classes.

Coronavirus information for the University of New York in Prague community

We can all help to maintain the health and well-being of the UNYP community by keeping well-informed, not spreading rumors or speculating, and following the recommended hygiene measures. There are several ways we can help each other during this difficult time. 

Please read the list of hygienic measures carefully, and remember that they will also help to protect you against ordinary colds and flu. According to the State Healthcare Institute of the Czech Republic, influenza A has spread across the entire country and has infected nearly two out of every 100 people. 

Primary protective measures against the new Coronavirus: 

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the inside of your elbow to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Sneezing and coughing directly into your hands, puts you at risk of contaminating objects or people that you touch.

• Make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. 

• During the day, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

• Make sure to follow all recommended hygiene procedures and follow any governmental regulations or travel warnings.  

• Stay home if you are sick with a fever, contact a medical provider, and notify UNYP’s Student Affairs Office for further assistance.

• Avoid direct contact with live animals in the city. For example, don’t feed the swans and nutrias on the Vltava river. 

• Ensure regular handwashing with soap and water after touching animals and animal products. 

• Avoid the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products. 

• Minimize your alcohol and nicotine consumption, as they weaken the immune system. 

• Please help us to communicate accurate information, and don’t spread rumors. Please respect the privacy of all individuals. We will always provide updates whenever there are any instructions from the State Healthcare Institute. 

• Reach out to the UNYP Counseling Center team if you need support for stress or worry. 

• If you feel that you need to be tested for COVID-19, please follow the steps provided here – or please see attached “How to fact sheet” for dealing with hygiene, if you have symptoms or whom to call in the event you need emergency assistance or to be tested. 

Please do the utmost to keep yourself and the UNYP community safe. 

How to fact sheet for COVID 19 in CZ and EN

 how_to_fact_sheet_for_covid_19_in_cz_and_en.pdf