Dear all,

As of 12.10.2020, the Regional Coordination Group recommends remote working and remote conferencing always where work tasks allow this.

As a reminder I post here the University´s instructions from September 2, 2020 https://patio.oulu.fi/en/university/topical-themes/coronavirus. Particular attention must be paid to ensuring that these safety issues are taken into account and implemented in break and coffee rooms.

Kind regards

Pirkko Huhtala

The University of Oulu recommends that a face mask be used during close contact where the safety distance of 1–2 metres cannot be implemented on campus. Mouth and nose protection is one way to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection. It is of paramount importance to continue to follow safety intervals of 1 to 2 meters whenever possible, to wash hands, cough on a sleeve or disposable handkerchief, and to avoid contact with the face. 

The University of Oulu staff work remotely in all situations where it is possible with reasonable effort. In the case of a task which cannot be performed remotely and where it is not possible to maintain a safety distance of 1-2 meters, all persons working in the same room are recommended to wear suitable masks  and/or some other protective equipment identified on the basis of the site risk assessment, such as nitrile gloves and/or facial visors (for example, teaching situations that must be arranged as contact teaching, laboratory work, transportation related to field courses, and other research and teaching situations where close contacts are evident).

The university's service tasks are mainly performed using electronic services. Where it is not possible to provide the service electronically, the employee must ensure appropriate protection with his or her supervisor before the service situation occurs. A polycarbonate cover is installed at service points. If there is no protection at the service point or it is not possible to use a usual service point, it is possible to use a face visor. In addition, other protective equipment identified on the basis of the individual and/or personal risk assessment must be used.

The university provides all its employees with fabric masks and other necessary protective equipment for working in the workplace. Fabric protectors can also be used away from the workplace (eg in public transport). Interns follow the internship site's own safety instructions.

 

Pirkko Huhtala, Ph.D.

Coordinator

Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu

Mailing address: P.O.Box 5000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu Finland

Street address: Room 476B, Aapistie 5A, FIN-90220 Oulu

Tel. +358-294 486101, +358-40 1897467

e-mail pirkko.huhtala@oulu.fi

www.oulu.fi/biocenter