Rector's information letter 10.03.2021

Dear academic family,

On February 18, I informed you that we will stay in distance learning until the end of March (except for practical training) and we recommend that employees work from home office.

On March 8, the Government of the Republic informed of additional preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus, which will take effect from March 11 and will be valid until mid-April. Please also note that additional restrictions may be imposed during this period or that existing restrictions may be extended. The new restrictions in the field of education stipulate that a learner (and a teacher carrying out the educational activities) who needs individual consultations to achieve learning outcomes or participate in practical training, examinations or tests may be physically present in the premises of the educational institution. All other teaching and learning takes place in distance learning format. Continuing distance learning is necessary for our academic family to stay healthy, to reduce the burden on our healthcare system and to be able to continue with practical learning. In contact activities, please wear a mask, disinfect hands, keep a distance, and avoid group gatherings during extracurricular activities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, we have decided to close the gym from this Thursday. Library services will be provided without direct contact. Please send your wishes and inquiries to the librarian by e-mail (raamatukogu@eava.ee), if possible between 08.00 and 14.00. The ordered materials will be placed on a bench next to the front door (inside) in the book borrowing box. Materials can also be sent to Smartpost all over Estonia at the customer's expense.

I will repeat the already set conditions for our spring semester:

• as a rule, teaching will take place in the form of distance learning;

• as an exception, contact training for practicums or other practical training is permitted;

• if, for technical reasons, it is not possible to participate in distance learning, please contact the IT department - we will definitely find a solution;

• a mask must be worn indoors (disposable masks are available free of charge from the ELA premises);

• hygiene requirements must be strictly observed (hand washing, disinfecting, etc.); distance of 2 meters with others must be maintained;

• final year students are asked to meet with their dissertation supervisors/consultants virtually or to send their work in writing;

• in all contact lessons, participants must be noted in order to later identify possible close contacts, if necessary;

• it is recommended to use the HOIA application;

• if you’re sick, please stay at home; if you notice someone at school who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID, please draw their attention to it;

• we ask the whole academic family to behave responsibly outside the school and the academy and to reduce contacts.

Regarding work management:

In the premises of the academy, where two or more people work together on a regular basis and the nature of the work allows it, we ask the immediate supervisor to organise work in the office according to the agreed upon schedule and/or to allow working from home office.

The number of people in the coffee room should not exceed 2 at any given time. If possible, please communicate in the ELA virtual café. Please also avoid gatherings of more than two people in the corridors.

I understand that this situation is difficult and unpleasant for everyone. At the same time, it is an opportunity to jointly fight the virus and contribute to the functioning of our country's health care system and to our return to normal life and education as soon as possible. It is sometimes a fight not only with the virus but with ourselves, where we have to make compromises and suffer inconvenience for the common good.

I thank everyone who takes the situation with necessary seriousness it deserves and treats other members of the academic family with consideration. We can protect ourselves and others if we understand that our behaviors affect the way the virus spreads. It is certainly an exhausting and difficult time for everyone, but together we can help to end this situation soon by offering mutual support, wearing masks and avoiding unnecessary contacts!

Stay healthy!

Koit

rector