Update on university operation WS 20/21

Currently, university buildings can be accessed to a limited extent from Monday to Friday, 6:00-20:00 and on Saturday, 7:00-19:00. Access is only possible via the main entrances.

Only employees have access as well as students registered for an on-site course, students who intend to use Student Spaces, computer rooms or reading rooms (registration necessary in some cases) and persons who have been prompted to come to the University in person (e.g. by the lending service of the Vienna University Library).

Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all public areas of the University of Vienna. In addition, wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor rooms that are being used by more than one person at the same time. The use of FFP2 face masks is strongly recommended.

Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all public areas of the University of Vienna. In addition, wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor rooms that are being used by more than one person at the same time. The use of FFP2 face masks is strongly recommended.

Please visit the Vienna University Library website to find out more about the opening hours. The use of the libraries is subject to the applicable COVID-19 hygiene rules and rules of conduct.

The Facultas bookshops are open. For further information please go to facultas.at.

Common signs of infection with the new coronavirus include high temperature, a cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. However, there are also mild forms (symptoms of a common cold) and infections without any symptoms.

The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd. has issued the following recommendations:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or with alcohol hand sanitiser several times a day.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Do not travel to affected areas. Please note the current travel warnings issued by the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs (in German), which may change at short notice.  

Various websites provide information about this viral disease and about how you can protect yourself:

• Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (in German)
• City of Vienna
• Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection
• Austrian Medical Chamber (in German)
• World Health Organization 

Obtain information about the current situation two or three times a day – but not continuously – from reliable media. Avoid misinformation and reduce your Facebook (and other social media) use. The information overload ranging from factual to fake information causes unnecessary stress.

COVID-19 has changed our lives. It is important to be aware of the fact that the virus will pass. The best way to get along during the period of restrictions on leaving home: Continue to engage in your daily activities, as far as possible. Daily routines, e.g. healthy meals, physical exercise and enough sleep, have a positive effect on thoughts and emotions. Do things that you enjoy. Stay in contact with family members and/or friends. This makes you feel safe and gives stability.

If you feel affected by the stress caused by the coronavirus outbreak, seek help. Talking to other people (by phone) can give you a feeling of relief and help cope with anxieties. 

Contact the Occupational Health and Safety team at the University of Vienna or the crisis hotline of the City of Vienna:

• Michael Hamberger, +43-660-212 45 91 michael.hamberger@univie.ac.at
• Natascha Klinser, +43-699-113 49 405 natascha.klinser@univie.ac.at

Social psychiatric emergency services, +43-1-31330