Information for staff, teachers and researchers

 

Opportunities for Corona self-testing

Effective immediately, the university is offering its employees supervised Corona self-testing on-site at the campuses. Opening hours of the test centres are:

Kleve campus

Building 1, Lecture Hall Centre (next to the Bistro)

Mondays and Fridays in each case: 07:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Kamp-Lintfort campus

Building 4, first aid room (KAM 04 00 021)

Wednesdays and Fridays in each case: 07:00 - 09:30 a.m.

The result of the test will be certified after approx. 20 minutes. Nevertheless, there may be additional waiting times in individual cases.

 

New guidelines after updates to the Coronavirus Test and Quarantine Regulations

Several guidelines for quarantine and isolation have changed as a result of the 4 May 2022 update to the Coronavirus Test and Quarantine Regulations (CoronaTestQuarantäneVO).

The Occupational Safety team at HSRW has compiled the key changes for you here:

  • If you test positive via a rapid antigen self-test, you must immediately book an official test (rapid antigen or PCR) at a local test centre for follow-up verification.
  • Until you test negative on this verification test, you should isolate as much as possible, avoid unnecessary contact with others, and maintain strict hygiene and infection prevention precautions.

If the verification test is positive, you can end your self-isolation with a negative test after five days as of 5 May 2022.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, however, this requires a negative test from an official test centre (rapid antigen or PCR), not a self-test. For additional details, please refer to the Coronavirus Test and Quarantine Regulations.

In summary:

  • Isolation: If you have COVID-19, you must isolate at home. In other words, you must seclude yourself to avoid spreading it to others.
  • Quarantine: If you have been in direct contact with anyone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, you should avoid unnecessary contact with others, indoor public spaces, and large groups of people. 

Employees who are ill and expect to be absent for more than three days are requested to submit proof to the personnel department (arbeitszeit@hochschule-rhein-waal.de) by their fourth day of absence.

 

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. Important updates are published under "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

 

 

Medical advice

The occupational health service of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (PIMA) has set up an advice hotline staffed exclusively by doctors for all questions in connection with the Corona pandemic. The hotline (Tel. +49 61 34 / 50 06 200) is available to employees of the university daily during the times indicated:

Mon-Thurs: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

The importance of self-care during the coronavirus pandemic

In our current situation in particular, many of us must learn how to deal with our own fears and anxiety. Stressful situations can cause stress reactions in our body, for example elevated heart rates, restlessness or insomnia. Taking care of yourself and your health is more important than ever. This includes respecting your own inner feelings and striving for a healthy lifestyle.

We have gathered a few thoughts for you below that will hopefully help you better manage the mental stresses caused by the coronavirus crisis. You can find the document here. 

 

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

 

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