Information about Corona virus

Guidelines in case of illness

• General info

  KEA continuously follows the developments and, as a general rule, we follow the government recommendations on the management of coronavirus/COVID-19.

  Students are allowed on KEA’s premises if they do not have symptoms of illness. This means that if you have symptoms of illness, you must stay at home until you have recovered.

  In relation to COVID-19, you are considered recovered when 48 hours have passed since your symptoms ceased. You can then come back to KEA. 

• Procedure for handling outbreaks of Covid-19 at KEA

  1. A student who has been diagnosed with Covid-19 calls in sick by contacting their teacher or KEA Study Administration at studielyg@kea.dk. 
  2. KEA obtains contact information on the person concerned and informs the infected person that he/she will be contacted by KEA HR (KEA's HR department) and the Danish Patient Safety Authority. KEA will then stay in close contact with the Danish Patient Safety Authority and follow their instructions in relation to infection detection and other actions concerning those affected.
  3. If the student is present at KEA, he/she should then go home and isolate him/herself in relation to cohabitants – as well as follow the health authorities' guidelines in the given situation.
  4. In order to reduce the spread of infection, KEA will send home the entire class, to which the infected student is affiliated, and ask them to keep informed about their ‘stay-at-home’ situation on their KEA-mail. The fellow students who have been sent home will be asked to take a Covid-19 test on the 4th day and again on the 6th day (control test) after the risk of infection has been identified. We therefore recommend that you book time for testing on coronaprover.dk. as soon as possible. In our experience, new tests for booking are constantly being added, so if you cannot book a test, or the location or time are not convenient, try again a few hours later.
  5. During the ‘stay-at-home’ period, the students are advised to pay extra attention to maintaining social distancing, using hand sanitiser and washing their clothes when they get home.
  6. If an entire class is sent home, KEA will immediately convert the teaching to a digital format. We will provide further information about this on KEA-mail and Fronter.
  7. Once a student has received a negative test response, he or she can return to KEA. This already applies to the test on the fourth day, even though a control test is carried out two days later. Keep an eye on Fronter to find out how long classes will be carried out on-line, so that those of you who have been sent home are able to follow the teaching. After all, it is not certain that everyone will get answers at the same time, just as there may be academic considerations speaking in favour of maintaining online teaching for a period of time.

• If you get ill

  If a student gets symptoms of illness while at KEA, they must go home as soon as possible and stay there until 48 hours after the symptoms have ceased. If you suspect Covid-19, contact your doctor.

  If a student who has been on KEA’s premises is diagnosed with COVID-19, KEA must be informed. Do so to studielyg@kea.dk. The student and KEA Study Administration must agree who will inform the staff and other students at KEA who have been in close contact with the covid-19 infected person. If the infected person gives permission, KEA may provide this information.

  It is a requirement of the health authorities' guidelines that, in the case of infection, staff and students who have been in close contact with the infected person must be informed so they can pay particular attention to any signs of disease and, to a greater extent, follow the general advice on good hygiene. As a starting point, however, they are still allowed on KEA’s premises.

  According to the Danish Health Authority, close contact occurs where a person has not been able to keep their distance with a few colleagues and fellow students.  

  In most work situations, therefore, it will not be a case of close contact if you have complied with the applicable distance and hand hygiene requirements.

• IF SOMEONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS COVID-19

  People diagnosed with COVID-19 are advised to self-isolate in their home, as far as possible away from others in the household, and to avoid physical contact with other persons in the home.

  Students living in a household with a person with COVID-19 must stay at home, keep their distance from the infected person as far as possible and contact their own doctor to be referred for testing. It is important that you comply with the Danish Health Authority's recommendations for behaviour and that you are extra attentive to any symptoms of COVID-19.

  If you are tested negative, you can come back to KEA, but you must continue to be attentive of any symptoms of COVID-19.

• PEOPLE AT INCREASED RISK

  If you are at increased risk, you should generally pay attention to ensuring good hand hygiene, not shaking hands, keeping a safe distance and focus on cleaning. According to the Health Authority, the risk of infection is not higher in educational institutions than in the surrounding community and being on KEA’s premises is all right.

  It is a medical assessment whether a person is at particular risk of a serious course of disease in the case of catching COVID-19. If on this background, you have reason for particular concern, you must contact your head of programme, who will assess the possibilities of finding a concrete and individual solution so you can continue your education. 

  Specific conditions at KEA, including the possibility of maintaining good hand hygiene and distance from others, must form part of this dialogue between the head of programme and the student who is at increased risk.

  If you live in a household with a person at increased risk, you can, as a starting point, come to KEA’s premises, after a specific and individual assessment. Exceptional conditions, such as ongoing chemotherapy, may mean that special consideration needs to be taken. Contact your doctor if you’re in doubt. 

• RECORDING OF DATA IN CONNECTION WITH COVID-19 MEASURES AT KEA

  KEA Study Administration registers the volume of inquiries concerning coronavirus from students, students possibly subject to rules of quarantine and/or corona infection as well as students assessed by their doctor as particularly vulnerable and needing special precautionary measures to protect them from infection. KEA only processes the personal data necessary for the prevention of infection, i.e. registration of name, social security number, place of education and the dates of presence at KEA.

  If a person has been diagnosed with COVID-19, information on the risk of infection will be given to the staff and students having been in contact with the person at KEA in the preceding 14 days. This is set out in the directions by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science on the reopening of higher educational institutions. 

  The data will be deleted when the health authorities assess that there is no longer a risk of coronavirus spread in Denmark.

  KEA Study Administration daily reports to KEA HR about the development of inquiries from students to ensure a comprehensive overview of the number of staff and students covered by these measures.  

• GUIDELINES AT KEA

  These guidelines have been laid down to ensure a sound healthy reopening of prioritised activities at KEA during a phase-in period. They are based on the firm expectation that everyone will comply with them out of respect for the situation we find ourselves in during this period and out of comprehensive concern to shield and protect vulnerable people from COVID-19. 

  KEA may at any time warn about the use of and conduct in KEA's buildings with reference to KEA's Code of Conduct, https://mit.kea.dk/en/studyguide/a-e#conduct, which stipulates that "Everyone at KEA is obliged to observe the general and the safety regulations” and that “Both students and employees at KEA must be considerate of others and see to it that everyone at KEA is able to work and study in a constructive, open and undisturbed environment”.  Any breach shall be sanctioned on that basis.  

• CONTACT

  KEA's students can find updated information about the situation on mit.kea.dk/eng/. If you have specific questions about classes, you are welcome to contact your programme.

  On diagnosis of COVID-19, students must inform KEA Study Administration at studielyg@kea.dk.

  You can also see the Danish authorities' site, https://politi.dk/coronavirus-i-danmark/in-english.

Earlier updates

Read earlier updates on covid-19 at KEA

• 24 Mar // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  Finally, we have some good news, which means that we will soon be able to see each other again. We have been really looking forward to it.

  On Monday evening, a majority in the Folketing agreed on a long-term plan for reopening Denmark, and this means that we at KEA can now finally look forward to welcoming you physically back to KEA's addresses.

  The agreement means that from 6 April – i.e., Tuesday after the Easter holidays – we can return to KEA with physical teaching to a limited extent. The reopening agreement also allows for reading places to be used again to a limited extent. The agreement applies to all students, but there is a political focus on prioritising students who graduate and new students. The programmes are in the process of clarifying which activities should be carried out physically. All students will be assigned a permanent team/class for teaching and group work that they can be close with. That is, you do not have to keep a 2- metre distance if you are with your assigned team. It is important to stress that a number of activities will continue to take place digitally.

  We are also working to clarify what the gradual reopening means for the conduct of exams during this semester. You will hear more directly from your programmes about the specific plan for the teaching and exams on the individual programmes.

  From April 6, all students (and staff in contact with students) who wish to be physically present at KEA must be able to present a negative COVID-19 test less than 72 hours old. Otherwise, you can't participate. It is the responsibility of the individual to have evidence of negative testing and we are required to carry out random checks. We encourage you to use the authorities' current COVID-19 testing offer as far as possible, and we are working to establish some additional testing capacity at KEA during April.

  You can find the authorities' test centres on coronasmitte.dk.

  Guidelines for staying at KEA remain in force

  Although we are now partially reopening, it is important to stress that the restrictions that applied when staying at KEA in the autumn still apply. Therefore, the following applies:

  • All social events, regardless of size, must be held online.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on social distancing and hygiene, etc. In addition to the assigned and permanent teams/classes for teaching and group work, there is a 2-metre distance requirement. The requirement applies everywhere, i.e., also in corridors, in the canteen, etc.
  • You must wear a mask or a visor at KEA when you are indoors in common areas such as corridors, stairs, canteen, library, etc. The mask requirement does not apply when you participate in teaching and educational activities in classrooms and workshops. In some cases where there is a particular risk of infection, we are required to wear masks in teaching, e.g., if the required distance is impossible to keep.
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.
  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak and have a cold, stay at home.

  There will still to be both students and employees at high risk from coronavirus, and here, as in the past, we will take individual considerations into account as far as possible.

  You can see all the guidelines on mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus, so please keep up to date here. We are constantly updating the guidelines.

  We are very pleased that we will soon see more of each other and we are pleased that we now have the opportunity to physically carry out the academic activities at KEA.

  Yours sincerely,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 26 Jan // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  The spring semester is about to start, and for the vast majority of activities it will be online - due to corona restrictions. So far, the current restrictions apply up until and including 7 February. However, we expect them to be extended once more.

  This means that at present, we expect the teaching at KEA to remain online for the remainder of February (as hitherto, with some exceptions such as workshop/lab activities). The heads of the individual programmes will shortly provide further information directly to you as a student about the teaching on your particular programme.

  If there is an opportunity to open up physical teaching at KEA before the end of February, we will open to the extent possible and where it makes sense. Of course, you will hear more about this if and when it becomes relevant.

  Yours sincerely,

  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 14 Jan // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  At a press conference yesterday, Wednesday, the government announced that the current restrictions have unfortunately been extended for a further three weeks, so that they now apply at least up to and including 7 February.

  The extension is due to increased spread of the British variant of the covid-19 virus. Fortunately, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we hope that we will be able to see you at KEA again soon. We all need that.

  Semester start and graduations will be held online

  Unfortunately, with the extension of the restrictions, so that now they reach into February, the start-up of the semester will be held online, with the few exceptions that apply to teaching and working in our labs.

  You will soon hear more from your own programme about the specific implications for you and your semester start, and at the bottom of the email we have summarised the impact of the restrictions on KEA's programmes.

  For those of you who are about to graduate from KEA: We were really looking forward to celebrating you physically at KEA, but unfortunately, due to the situation and the restrictions, this will not be possible. Instead, there's a package on its way to you so you can still celebrate your graduation on a festive basis, and we hope you'll share your celebratory photos with us on social media using the hashtag #KEAgraduation2021.

  Take care of each other

  We know that it can be frustrating and difficult to study from home. This applies not least to those of you who have children who have been sent home from school or kept at home from day care centres. Remember to look after each other and help each other through these challenging times until hopefully we can meet physically at KEA again soon.

  Stay up to date

  Due to the extension, the following restrictions still apply:

  • With a few exceptions, KEA is shut down for physical activities
  • The teaching at KEA is still being converted into digital teaching. There may be a few exceptions in cases where attendance is necessary, e.g., when working in KEA's workshops.
  • Exams will also be held digitally unless it is impossible in practice.
  • At physical attendance at KEA, you’re obliged to wear a face mask and to keep a 2- metre distance from others.
  • Physical social events are converted into digital form or cancelled.

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus
  
  Best regards
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 29 Dec // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  First of all, we hope you've all had a good Christmas.

  At the recently held press conference, the government extended the current nationwide restrictions. This means that the situation regarding teaching, exams and attendance at KEA in January is unfortunately the same as the one announced by Rector’s office on 16 December.

  So far, the government's extension applies until 17 January, but at KEA we plan according to the current restrictions until the end of January. If the restrictions are then eased, we will try to use the opportunities it may provide and we will, of course, inform you of this. In relation to any changes on the individual programmes, you will continue to be informed directly by your programme concerning teaching and examination. 

  We are keeping our fingers crossed that together we can bring down the infection so much that we can soon meet physically again at KEA.

  We wish you all a very happy New Year. Take care of yourselves and each other.

  Best regards
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard
  Rector

• 16 Dec // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  Last week, the government imposed new restrictions, which apply until 3 January. As we informed you earlier, the new restrictions mean i.a. that all teaching and all exams, with a few exceptions, must be done digitally here in December.

  The infection rate continues to increase in the metropolitan area and so far, there is no indication that this trend is reversing. It also means that, as it stands, the restrictions will most likely be extended into January. In order to create predictability about exam preparations, we have decided that throughout January, KEA plans all teaching and exams in accordance with the current restrictions. This means that physical exams and physical teaching at KEA will take place only in exceptional cases. You will be notified by your programme about your teaching and exams. 

  If the restrictions are eased, we will try to use the opportunities it may provide and we will, of course, inform you of this.

  Pay attention if you need to travel at Christmas

  Part of you will probably be visiting family in Denmark or travelling abroad at Christmas. In this regard, we ask you to pay extra attention to the authorities' guidelines and recommendations – both the Danish authorities’ and those of the country where you plan to go. Get more information on https://coronasmitte.dk/en and https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/

  On the following link you can also find more questions and answers about e.g. self-isolation upon returning to Denmark: https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/coronavirus-covid-19/

  Get tested before Christmas

  Authorities are urging all 15- to- 25-year-olds to take Covid-19 tests ahead of Christmas. That includes a lot of you, too. KEA supports that call. Temporary test centres are regularly opened around the Copenhagen metropolitan area.

  See a list of the test sites in the Capital Region here: https://www.regionh.dk/Sundhed/Akut-hj%C3%A6lp/1813/Adresser%20akutmodtagelser%20og%20klinikker/Sider/Find-vej-og-parkering-ved-TestCenter-Danmark-telte.aspx (only in Danish)

  Stay up to date 

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus/

  Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

  Whether you plan to spend the holidays in Copenhagen, elsewhere in Denmark or abroad, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year on behalf of all of KEA! 2020 has certainly not been an easy year to navigate through, but together we have shown that it can be done. Thank you very much for your "COVID-19-safe behaviour" at KEA and for taking good care of each other.

  We look forward to seeing you at KEA in 2021.

  Best regards
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 7 Dec // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  In order to combat the ever-increasing spread of Covid-19 in a large part of Denmark, including the Metropolitan Area, today Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced new restrictions.

  The new restrictions affect KEA and apply from 9 December to 3 January.

  The restrictions mean the following:

  • The teaching at KEA is being converted into digital teaching. There may be a few exceptions in cases where attendance is necessary, e.g. when working in KEA's workshops.
  • Exams will also be held digitally unless it is impossible in practice.
  • As a student, you will be notified as soon as possible by your head of programme in relation to the specifics.
  • Unfortunately, it will no longer be possible to meet to do group work at KEA.

  Tomorrow, Tuesday, 8 December, it will be possible for you to pick up your things at KEA. It will then be possible to pick up things at KEA for specified periods of time in the coming days. We will give you details of this at mit.kea.dk tomorrow, 8 December.

  The opening hours of the library in Guldbergsgade will be limited to 2 hours per day until Christmas. It is thus possible for students to borrow and return books and get help by mail or Teams. Further information on this can be found at bibliotek.kea.dk from tomorrow 8 December.

  Nationwide restrictions extended

  Restrictions previously imposed have been extended until 28 February 2021. See https://mit.kea.dk/en/.

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus/en

  Thank you so much for keeping your distance and sanitising your hands and equipment. That way, you help limit the spread of infection.

  Let us all take good care of each other!

  On behalf of all of KEA,

  My very best regards,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 2 Dec // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  The spread of Covid-19 continues to increase in the Copenhagen area, and especially young people aged 20-29 years are the ones who become infected. That is why yesterday the government announced new restrictions and recommendations that apply from 7 December to 2 January.

  We need to reduce our physical presence at KEA

  The new guidelines and recommendations for KEA as a higher education institution are as follows

  • It is recommended to convert into digital teaching and exams where possible. Special consideration may be given to the progress and quality of the study.
  • A general reduction in the overall physical activity in the institutions is recommended.
  • In all higher education, close attention should be paid to not showing up with symptoms of illness, to hand hygiene, cleaning, distance and face masks.
  • The focus should be on well-being and digital study friends.

  Each head of programme and the rest of KEA's management will prepare a plan for how the new guidelines affect you (teaching and exam) and as a student you will get concrete information about the progamme-specific measures taken from your teachers and head of programme.

  Much of the teaching is likely to be converted into digital teaching, but in cases where access to special equipment and the like is required, or there are other good reasons for doing so, teaching and exams will continue to be physically carried out at KEA.

  We encourage you to do group work online, but if that is not possible or if it is necessary in order to ensure the quality of your work, you can meet physically at KEA.

  Of course, when you are physically present at KEA – in relation to e.g. teaching, group work and exams – you must continue to pay close attention to following the guidelines previously reported: Keep your distance, use face masks where required and keep a good hygiene by frequently sanitising and washing your hands. And of course, you must stay at home if you are ill or in self-isolation – even if the exam is approaching.

  Young people urged to get tested

  Authorities are urging all 15- to 25-year-olds to take Covid-19 tests ahead of Christmas. That includes a lot of you, too. KEA supports that call. Authorities will increase test capacity and test offers to cope with the increased demand.

  News about travel at Christmas

  We have previously informed you of the need to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning from a country defined as "orange" by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to revise their travel advice in early December to take into account regional differences in coronavirus infections in each country. In this context, the guidelines on self-isolation are also expected to be changed. Therefore, we encourage you to follow the authorities' guidelines if you plan to travel at Christmas – both the Danish authorities’ and those of the country where you plan to go.

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus/en

  Thank you for your efforts

  I know that the restrictions are irritating and cause inconvenience, but the situation is serious and therefore we must all contribute to reducing the spread of infection. At yesterday's press conference, the higher education institutions were commended by the health authorities for the efforts made so far. Our joint efforts have contributed to the fact that the infection has not spread more in our institutions than it has. You can all be proud of that.

  Thank you so much for keeping your distance and sanitising your hands and equipment. That way, you help limit the spread of infection.

  Let us all take good care of each other!

  On behalf of all of KEA,

  My very best regards,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector 

• 25 Nov // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  It's time for a corona update with news on guidelines and an extension of the assembly ban from the government. We’ll also try to give some answers to some of the things that we know are close to you.

  The corona pandemic continues to take up a lot of everyday life at KEA, and fortunately everything suggests that our combined efforts limit the spread of infection at KEA. Although infection continues to be found among KEA's students and staff, it is spread across teams, classes, programmes and locations. We cannot detect chains of infection at KEA, and the number of cases of infection per week has been low and stable since the start of study. Let's maintain the good habits: remember to sanitise our hands, keep our distance and wear masks. Also remember to clean surfaces on e.g. tables when you leave a room.

  The assembly ban is extended and the ban on social events continues to apply

  On Friday, the government announced that the assembly ban of a maximum of 10 people has been extended until 13 December 2020. However, the assembly ban does not apply to teaching at KEA. If an event has participants from outside, you may still only be a maximum of 10 people together.

  The ban on social events held physically continues to apply until 2 January 2021.

  What about Christmas and exams?

  Christmas and exams are approaching, and here too corona precautions will come into play. Exams with physical attendance are largely held as planned, but in some cases, we have decided to reschedule the exam from physical to online. If your programme has chosen to convert a physical exam into an online exam or allows you to choose to take the exam online, you will soon be notified.

  We know that several of you plan to travel at Christmas – for example, home to family. In this case, you should be aware of travel restrictions and quarantine rules – both within Denmark (where there has just been a period of restrictions in North Jutland) and travel restrictions to and from abroad. You must comply with the authorities' instructions on quarantine, self-isolation, etc. Therefore, we advise you to include travel restrictions – both Danish and foreign – in your planning. The travel advice is constantly updated and you can find it on https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/coronavirus-covid-19/. The current guideline is that if you enter Denmark from an "orange" country (=the whole world except Greenland and the Faroe Islands), you must self-isolate for 14 days.  You are not allowed to attend physical exams or classes if you are in self-isolation, and this may mean, for example, using an examination attempt. It is important to stress that travel instructions can change at short notice, so it is important that you stay up to date if you are going to travel.

  Mask-free zones at KEA

  We must maintain the good corona habits, but we also want to make everyday life at KEA as good as possible during this time. Therefore, KEA is now introducing new measures to ensure the best possible conditions for you as a student without compromising health care.

  From now on, you will find "mask-free zones" at KEA. These are places where you can take off your mask while, for example, sitting at a table working. You can take off your mask when you sit down in one of the areas covered by the green sign shown below. Remember the mask when you get up again ;-)
  
  

  Why don't we physically shut down the teaching at KEA?

  Having discovered that the teaching can be received from home, several have asked us why we don’t shut down a larger part of the physical teaching at KEA.

  However, keeping the higher education institutions physically open to teaching is a priority for the government. We are pleased about this, as the programmes at KEA are characterised by a good mix of theory and practice. In order for this to be implemented and to provide students with teaching of the best possible quality, we need to keep KEA open to physical teaching as much as the government's guidelines and practical conditions allow, so that students have access to equipment and workshops at KEA – and the physical dialogue with the teacher and each other.

  KEA always follows the recommendations of the authorities, and it is a balancing act to be able to carry out the best possible teaching while ensuring that everything is done in a health-safe way so that everyone can feel safe. And as the recommendations change, the amount and forms of physical teaching at KEA will have to be constantly adjusted.

  It is important to stress that we are doing everything we can to make you feel safe when you are physically present at KEA. KEA and the other higher educational institutions in Denmark have learnt that there is no major risk of infection in educational activities where the guidelines have been complied with. By complying with KEA’s guidelines during the corona pandemic, we can do our part to ensure that it continues.

  Which corona tests are recognised at KEA?

  If you need to be tested for covid-19, it is important that we can trust the test result. According to the health authorities' guidelines and recommendations, tests must be carried out in the Danish health care system, as quick tests/antigen tests are far from as reliable as the Danish health service's tests. However, if you test positive for covid-19 in a quick test, you must, as a precautionary measure, act as if you had tested positive with a test in the Danish health care system.

  You can read more about different tests here: https://www.sst.dk/da/Nyheder/2020/Antigentest-boer-ikke-bruges-hvis-du-har-symptomer-paa-COVID-19-eller-er-naer-kontakt

  If you test positive for covid-19, you must inform KEA about it on studielyg@kea.dk. 

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus/en.

  Thank you so much for keeping your distance and sanitising your hands and equipment. That way, you help limit the infection.

  Let us all take good care of each other!

  On behalf of all of KEA,

  My very best regards,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 26 Oct // A message from the rector

  Dear KEA students

  On Friday the government announced further restrictions and extended the temporary restrictions till the end of the year in order to reduce the rise in corona infections in our society. 

  The main changes for KEA are that students must wear masks/visors when moving about indoors in common areas and that the assembly ban has been lowered from 50 to 10 people. However, the 10-person assembly ban does not apply to educational activities and therefore teaching and other activities can continue to be physically carried out at KEA. We are very pleased about this, and we hope that it can continue if we keep remembering the requirements about social distancing, hygiene, etc., so that we reduce the spread of infection at KEA.

  In more detail, the government's announcement means the following:

  You must wear a mask or visor at KEA when you are indoors in common areas such as hallways, stairs, canteen, library, etc. The mask requirement does not apply when you participate in teaching and training activities in classrooms and workshops. In some cases where there is a particular risk of infection, KEA requires you to wear masks in teaching, e.g. if the adequate distance is impossible to keep. The students concerned are or have already been notified directly.
  In addition, mask requirements (and exceptions) will be indicated by signs.

  You must bring your own mask for use in common areas. You will still to be given a mask if you participate in teaching activities where this is a mask requirement. The guidelines will come into force on Thursday 29 October and will last until 2 January 2021. In case of emergency, the reception may provide masks.

  So far, the 10-person assembly ban applies up to and including 22 November. Teaching, exams and the like where physical attendance is necessary are exempt from the assembly ban. The 10-person assembly ban applies to open events in which both students and others can participate.

  The previous temporary restrictions have been extended until 2 January 2021.

  • Teaching can continue to be conducted with the physical presence of both students and teachers according to the guidelines on social distancing, etc., which apply at KEA (see mit.kea.dk/en).
  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak, stay home.
  • All social events, regardless of size, must be cancelled or held online. But think creatively about whether social events can be held online!
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on adequate distance and hygiene.

  Overall, the new guidelines mean that KEA can largely continue its activities as planned, with the use of masks and visors and a maximum of 10 participants in open events.

  It is a priority of the government – which we are very pleased about - that educational institutions (in line with businesses, schools and day care centres) be kept open.

  Unfortunately, physical social activities have been closed for the year- and we must therefore all come up with alternatives. KEA Student Life will in turn facilitate and support initiatives from and for students, and we will spread the good ideas in newsletters etc.

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en.

  Thank you so much for keeping your distance, sanitising your hands and equipment and limiting the infection.

  I hope that we’ll all take good care of each other!

  On behalf of all of KEA,

  My very best regards,

  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard
  Rector

• 9 Oct // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  Due to the situation with covid-19 in Denmark, the health authorities this week chose to extend the temporary restrictions in society until 31 October.
  
  This means that the temporary guidelines we have previously written to you about have been extended provisionally until 31 October:

  • All social events, regardless of size, must be cancelled or held online.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on adequate distance and hygiene.
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.
  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak and have a cold, stay at home.

  The extension of the restrictions also applies to the changes to the physical framework for your teaching, which you have been informed about in the past week.

  Help us limit the spread of infection at KEA

  We constantly keep an eye on the development of covid-19 both at KEA and in society as a whole and adjust our efforts to fight covid-19 as well as possible. This is why several hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed at KEA's addresses, and why we are continuously working to make it clear how many people can be in a classroom at a time etc. (the maximum number is calculated on the basis of the 1-metre distancing rule and the current layout of tables and chairs).

  We must continue to do everything we can to limit any spread of infection at KEA, follow the guidelines on social distancing and hygiene, and stay at home if we are ill. In order for everyone to keep their distance as far as possible, extra attention must be paid to entrances and doors where congestion may occur. Make room for people on their way out to get out of a building or room before you go in. In classrooms and other rooms in general, you must, as far as possible, fill the seats farthest from the entrance first, so that the fewest people possible have to pass each other closely. If many of you have to exit a room at the same time, those closest to the door must go first. This minimises the amount of people who are forced to pass each other.

  If it is possible to air the room, remember to do so regularly. We also turn up the air change via the ventilation systems as much as possible without any noise disturbances.

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus.
  
  I hope that we’ll all take good care of each other!
  
  The very best greetings,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 30 Sep // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  Due to the still high number of confirmed cases of covid-19 in Denmark, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research has changed the guidelines for i.a. the physical framework for teaching in higher education institutions. The changes are not temporary, and we therefore expect them to apply at least until the end of this semester.

  The new guidelines bring the following changes:

  • The teaching situations, in which the general 1-metre distancing rule can be deviated from, are now limited.
  • Unless the 1-metre distancing rule can be observed by all students, regardless of which class/team they belong to, it is no longer possible for several classes/teams to be taught together. Overall, this means that it will be more difficult to physically conduct teaching. Therefore, and as soon as possible, your head of programme will provide you with further information on how the changed guidelines will affect your teaching.

  The previous temporary restrictions have been extended until 18 October:

  The temporary restrictions, which we have previously written to you about, have been extended from 4 October to 18 October. That is to say:

  • All social events, regardless of size, must be cancelled or held online.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on adequate distance and hygiene.
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.
  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak and have a cold, stay at home.

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus

  I hope that we all take good care of each other!

  The very best greetings,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 25 Sep // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of people infected with coronavirus in the Copenhagen area and the rest of the country.

  Therefore, the health authorities have extended the specific measures that we have previously written to you about, and so far, these apply until 18 October.

  The situation right now at KEA

  Since the start of the semester on 24 August, there have been a few cases of students at KEA who have been found to be infected with covid-19. The cases of infection detected have been scattered across classes/teams and buildings. KEA and the Danish Patient Safety Authority have handled the individual cases of infection according to the procedure, which can be found on the student intranet at mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus. In case of suspicion of possible spread of infection in a class/team, the entire class/team has been sent home and classes have been conducted online, while the students to be tested have been waiting for answers. Of course, if a teacher has been exposed to the risk of infection, he or she has also been tested.

  Fortunately, the cases of infection in the individual classes/teams have not started major chains of infection in connection with the teaching at KEA. This is very encouraging, and you deserve a huge thank you for being so good at looking after each other whenever a team has experienced cases of infection.

  Infection rate continues to rise

  However, the increasing number of infections in Greater Copenhagen continues to underline the importance of limiting the infection:

  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak and have a cold, stay at home.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on distance and hygiene, etc. The requirement of a minimum distance of 1 metre may be deviated from in classes, where you sit in regular groups/teams, but otherwise it applies everywhere, i.e. also in corridors, in the canteen, etc., where we meet across our social circle/regular teams. That is, anywhere other than in the teaching situation, everyone must keep a distance of one metre.
  • All social events, regardless of size, must be cancelled or held online (applies at least until 18 October 2020).
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.

  In the coming period, KEA will put up even more signs and inform even more about how we help each other to take care.

  We know it's a weird time to be young. Your studies are different than you thought they should be, social events must not be carried out at your studies, restaurants and bars currently close at 22 pm etc.

  The health authorities have created a brochure targeting you, offering a number of concrete advice on how to be social, work out, date and everything else that is part of being young – while helping to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. You can read the brochure here (only available in Danish).

  If you have comments or other good ideas about how we can help each other at and outside KEA, please send them to kommunikation@kea.dk

  Stay up to date

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus/.

  I wish you well and hope that we all take good care of each other!

  The very best greetings
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard
  Rector

• 22 Sep // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  As we wrote to you last time, there is an increase in coronavirus infection in the Copenhagen area, and unfortunately it has continued in recent weeks. Therefore, the health authorities have introduced new measures targeting nightlife and the restaurant industry in the metropolitan area to limit the spread of infection. This means e.g. that bars, cafes and so on must close at 22.00. In addition, the authorities have a clear call for "events, celebrations and celebrations in private homes not to be held with anyone other than the nearest social circle".

  There are NO new measures or guidelines for KEA's teaching activities, which will continue as planned.

  However, the previous temporary restrictions have been extended until 4 October:

  • All social events, regardless of size, must be cancelled or held online.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on distance and hygiene, etc. The requirement of a minimum distance of 1 metre may be deviated from in classes, where you sit in regular groups/teams, but otherwise it applies everywhere, i.e. also in corridors, in the canteen, etc., where we meet across our social circle/regular teams.
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.
  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak and have a cold, stay at home.

  The continued tightening of restrictions is of course frustrating, but the restrictions have been introduced, among other things, in order to avoid the need to shut down KEA and the other educational institutions.

  At the same time, the restrictions are a reminder that we all need to pay close attention to our behaviour – both at and outside KEA. We must keep a good distance to people outside our regular social circle/ team on our programme, avoid large gatherings where we meet across programmes, reduce social activities that include close contact to other people, sanitise our hands frequently and do everything possible not to expose ourselves to the risk of infection. In short, we must take care of ourselves and each other.

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://mit.kea.dk/en/corona-virus.

  On behalf of all of KEA,
  My very best regards,
  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard.
  Rector

• 8 Sep // A message from the rector

  Dear KEA students

  Recently, there has been an increase in the number of people infected with coronavirus in i.a. the Copenhagen area and especially in the age group 20-29 years, which includes many of you. Therefore, the Health Authorities have introduced new measures to limit the spread of infection. The new Covid-19 restrictions are provisionally in force until 4 October and primarily apply to life outside KEA. It also means that you need to pay close attention to your behaviour outside of KEA. Keep a good distance, avoid large gatherings, sanitise your hands frequently and do everything possible not to expose yourself to the risk of infection.

  However, all teaching at KEA is happily continuing as planned, as the teaching itself is not subject to the new restrictions. The 100-person assembly ban is reduced to 50 people, but the assembly ban does NOT apply to educational activities. You can still receive teaching even if you are more than 50 people together as long as you comply with the guidelines on distance and permanent groups/classes, as has been the case since the start of the semester.

  At KEA, however, the current situation also requires that we pay extra attention:

  • All social events, regardless of size, which have not already been cancelled, must be cancelled.
  • When we are physically present at KEA, we must continue to follow the guidelines on distance and hygiene, etc. The requirement of a minimum distance of 1 metre may be deviate from in classes, but otherwise it applies everywhere, i.e. also in corridors, in the canteen, etc.
  • Avoid public transport if other means of transport are possible, especially in cases of overcrowding.
  • Please continue to make sure NOT to show up at KEA if you have symptoms of illness. If you feel weak and have a cold, stay at home.

  With the above, we hope that we can help reduce the spread of infection and avoid another lockdown of KEA and the other educational institutions.

  In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so be sure to stay informed on KEA's intranet for students at https://my.kea.dk/en/corona-virus.

  On behalf of KEA,

  Kind regards,

  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard
  Rector

• 31 Aug // A message from the rector

  Dear students

  We are very happy to have you back and to be able to teach you again in KEA's buildings. The practical element of our programmes had difficult conditions during the spring lockdown, so it’s great to hear KEA buzzing with life and activity again. The intro activities have also enjoyed great support and commitment!

  I've also noted that you are good at remembering the guidelines on social distancing and hygiene, and that you stay at home when you have symptoms if illness. That's really good. Thank you very much for that and please help each other remember it!

  Staying at home, if you have any symptoms of, is particularly important. If you feel weak or have a cold, you have to stay at home.

  Last week, two of our students found out that they were infected with coronavirus. As part of the Covid-19 contact tracing, two classes were sent home and are now being taught from home while waiting for their Covid-19 test results. The incidents have emphasised how important it is that everyone knows what to do if a student or employee is diagnosed with Covid-19.

  KEA follows the health authorities’ guidelines on handling students infected with Covid-19. Below you can see how KEA will act if a student is infected with coronavirus

  Procedure for handling outbreaks of Covid-19 at KEA

  1. A student who has been diagnosed with Covid-19 calls in sick by contacting their teacher or KEA Study Administration at studielyg@kea.dk. 
  2. KEA obtains contact information on the person concerned and informs the infected person that he/she will be contacted by KEA HR (KEA's HR department) and the Danish Patient Safety Authority. KEA will then stay in close contact with the Danish Patient Safety Authority and follow their instructions in relation to infection detection and other actions concerning those affected.
  3. If the student is present at KEA, he/she should then go home and isolate him/herself in relation to cohabitants – as well as follow the health authorities' guidelines in the given situation.
  4. In order to reduce the spread of infection, KEA will send home the entire class, to which the infected student is affiliated, and ask them to keep informed about their ‘stay-at-home’ situation on their KEA-mail. The fellow students who have been sent home will be asked to take a Covid-19 test on the 4th day and again on the 6th day (control test) after the risk of infection has been identified. We therefore recommend that you book time for testing on coronaprover.dk. as soon as possible. In our experience, new tests for booking are constantly being added, so if you cannot book a test, or the location or time are not convenient, try again a few hours later.
  5. During the ‘stay-at-home’ period, the students are advised to pay extra attention to maintaining social distancing, using hand sanitiser and washing their clothes when they get home.
  6. If an entire class is sent home, KEA will immediately convert the teaching to a digital format. We will provide further information about this on KEA-mail and Fronter.
  7. Once a student has received a negative test response, he or she can return to KEA. This already applies to the test on the fourth day, even though a control test is carried out two days later. Keep an eye on Fronter to find out how long classes will be carried out on-line, so that those of you who have been sent home are able to follow the teaching. After all, it is not certain that everyone will get answers at the same time, just as there may be academic considerations speaking in favour of maintaining online teaching for a period of time.

  Stay informed on KEA's intranet

  If you have any questions about KEA's handling of Covid-19, you can read more on this page or contact KEA Study Administration at studielyg@kea.dk. On this page we have collected all relevant information regarding social distancing requirements, hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, social events etc. In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so remember to stay updated.

  We all need to look after each other and help KEA become a safe place to study. Remember to keep your distance, sanitise your hands and make sure that everyone complies with the guidelines, as indicated on signs and stickers all over KEA.

  Stay safe and healthy and enjoy your studies at KEA!

  On behalf of KEA,

  Kind regards,

  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard
  Rector

• 15 Aug // A welcome from the rector

  Dear students

  To all of you who are about to start studying at KEA, I want to say a big welcome to KEA! And to those of you who are already studying at KEA, I want to say welcome back from summer vacation. KEA has reopened after the summer holidays and we are very pleased that, to a great extent, the teaching can now be carried out physically in our classrooms.

  Despite the corona pandemic, we try to have as normal a working life as possible, but the risk of infection limits our movements around KEA. We all need to look after each other and help KEA become a safe place to study, so we have developed some guidelines:

  Keep your distance, ensure good hygiene and stay at home in case of illness

  It is very important that we all keep a good distance. There must be at least 1 meter between us, but during classes the distance can be less than 1 meter if you are not mixed across groups/classes. You'll hear more about that if it applies to you. We also follow the authorities' recommendations on the use of face masks when you are unable to keep a safe distance outside your group/ class, e.g. in workshops. And of course you are welcome to wear a face mask elsewhere at KEA if you wish. We also need to practice diligent hygiene habits and follow the guidelines to stay at home if we are ill, because then we minimise the risk of being infected with coronavirus.

  Avoid mingling too much and go home when your planned activities end

  The focal point of your teaching and social activities is your class, and in addition, KEA will offer various activities that are predominantly done digitally. You can read more about this below. Unfortunately, we cannot open our Friday bars, hold parties or have social events where we physically interfere across classes. We have also banned smoking on KEA's premises in order to minimise the risk of spreading infection. In order to reduce the number of people staying in KEA’s buildings at any given time, we have spread activities over the day and made staggered working hours. We also recommend that you are only present at KEA when you have planned activities or need to make use of the library or workshops. So please go home when your planned activities are over. All to reduce the risk of infection.

  Quarantine on entering or returning to Denmark

  If you enter Denmark from abroad, it is important that you follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' guidelines for self-isolation, etc. Get more information on https://politi.dk/en/coronavirus-in-denmark where the Danish authorities have gathered all relevant information about coronavirus, quarantine, testing, infection tracking, etc.

  If, due to Covid-19, you are unable to attend classes, have symptoms or have become ill with Covid-19, please notify KEA Study Administration at studielyg@kea.dk.

  This applies, for example, if:

  • You travel to Denmark from a country where quarantine is required (see politi.dk/en/coronavirus-in-denmark/travelling-in-or-out-of-denmark). Please note that you can shorten your quarantine by being tested and having a negative test result.
  • You have symptoms of Covid-19 and are waiting for your test result.
  • Due to Covid-19, you are prevented from leaving your home country

  If you are at an increased risk of becoming infected, you can report it to your head of programme. KEA Study Administration(studielyg@kea.dk) can provide you with information about who to contact on each programme and help you if you are at increased risk.

  More details and continuous updating of guidelines

  On KEA's student intranet, mit.kea.dk/en, you can read the guidelines, which apply at KEA. On the intranet, you can also find answers to frequently asked corona-related questions. These may include e.g. distance requirements, the use of protective equipment, guidelines related to illness, disinfection of shared equipment, social events, etc. In our experience, the authorities' guidelines change frequently, so remember to stay updated on mit.kea.dk/en.

  We need to help each other remember the guidelines. Please say thank you when a fellow student or a teacher helps you remember :)

  Timetable soon to be sent out

  Due to distance requirements, etc., we take a little longer to set out timetables than usual. We are working relentlessly and you’ll get a timetable covering the first few weeks as soon as possible.

  We look forward to seeing you at KEA!

  On behalf of all of KEA, my very best regards

  Steen Enemark Kildesgaard
  Rector