Coronavirus - Important Information for Teachers and Researchers

On this page, all teachers and researchers of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences will find a summary of the most important information about coronavirus.

 

Current ordinances and frameworks

Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of North-Rhine Westfalia:

Rhine-Waal-University of Applied Sciences:

 

Emergency staffing measures

Beginning Thursday, 19 March 2020, emergency staffing measures will be instituted at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in order to contribute to nationwide efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. These measures will remain in place until 19 April 2020.

Emergency staffing measures will ensure that all necessary infrastructure, laboratory operations and essential research test procedures continue to operate and that staff may perform their tasks and duties from home.

The time until these measures are instituted on Thursday should be used to prepare all non-academic staff for these new measures.

The heads of the faculties, departments, staff units and central facilities should re-organise their staff and areas in ways that ensure that tasks and duties can be performed largely through telework and that services remain available as best they can.

Staff members are only permitted to remain on campus if their presence is essential for maintaining operations. At the same time, all university-related events or gatherings, whether external or internal, regardless of the number of participants or whether they occur indoors or outdoors, are hereby cancelled. Please continue to follow the recommended hygiene precautions of the Robert Koch Institute and World Health Organization.

 

E-Learning Offers and services offered by the library 

You can find all information about available e-learning tools and methods at Rhine-Waal University here: https://hsrw.info/remote

The "Library and Corona" website provides up-to-date information on the use and services of the university library during the corona pandemic. (https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/university/facilities-and-initi…) Important updates are published under "News":

https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/university/facilities-and-initiatives/library/news

Due to the Corona pandemic and the resulting increase in demand for electronic information resources, the library has expanded its digital offerings. Access to many e-resources is also provided by the E-Books.NRW initiative, which is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the state of NRW:

https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/university/facilities-and-initiatives/library/search/free-access-e-resources

Furthermore, the library has compiled an extensive overview of current corona research:

https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/university/facilities-and-initiatives/library/search/free-access-e-resources-covid-19

 

How to make telecommuting work

Many HSRW employees are currently working remotely, or telecommuting. For many, this is a new and challenging experience.

With just a few simple steps, however, you can make your telecommuting experience more effective. Start with a dedicated office space and stick to a daily routine. You should try to simulate a “normal day at the office” as best as possible. Start working at your usual time and create a daily plan for how you want to manage your tasks for the day. Take regular breaks, making sure to stand up and move around, and think up an “evening ritual” to clock out, wind down and disconnect your thoughts from work for the rest of the day.

These tips are easy to implement and will really help you work more effectively from home. Read on for additional tips and ideas for telecommuters! You can also read the exciting interview with psychologist Pia Weigelt-Lindemann on the subject of how to make telecommuting work and self-care. 

General tips for healthy telecommuting:

1. Stand up when you use the telephone.

2. Move about frequently.

3. Stand up to stretch multiple times a day. Stand behind your chair and stretch your arms up to

    the ceiling, then down to the ground.

4. Open the windows and let in plenty of fresh air, even when it’s cold out.

5. Drink plenty of water, at least 1.5-2 L a day.

6. Use your lunch break to stand up and move around.

Workspace ergonomics:

An ergonomic workspace promotes good health and creates a workspace you enjoy spending time in. You can ensure a healthy, ergonomic workspace by rearranging your desk, computer and chair in certain ways. Good workspace conditions are always important, but often an afterthought when working from home. For more information, please see this pdf. 

Nutrition:

Telecommuting can also bring nutritional challenges for employees as well. Our health management team (BGM) would like to pass on a few tips on eating healthy while working from home with this helpful pdf. 

Exercise:

With just a few simple exercises each day you can stay fit while working from home and feel better, too. In fact, regular exercise is absolutely vital to a healthy body. Exercise not only improves your cardiovascular and circulatory systems, but is also proven to help reduce blood sugar levels, relax strained and cramped muscles, and promotes weight loss. Look for opportunities to move around and be active during the day. Try using your bicycle to run errands instead of your car, for example. There are countless ways to be active while working from home if you consciously think about it throughout the day.

But we’re here to help, too. HSRW’s own Aktive Pause for employees is currently available in video form. You’ll also find a new yoga video each week at this link as well.

Medical advice:

Our occupational medical service offered through PIMA Health Group has set up a medical hotline for all questions related to the coronavirus pandemic which puts you in touch with a doctor directly. The number is +49-6134-5006-200 and is available to all employees of Rhine-Waal University during these hours:

Mondays to Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Other helpful links (in German only):

Information on accident insurance while working from home from the German Social Accident Insurance Association (DGUV)

Tips for telecommuting parents from the DGUV

Healthy working tips for telecommuters from the DGUV

Free home workout plans from the Stuttgarter Nachrichten