RSU Increases COVID-19 Containment Measures

Over the last week, the number of COVID-19 cases in Latvia continued to increase. Cases of the disease also spread among students at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) who had previously been identified as contact persons by the Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC).  

In order to reduce the health risk to students, lecturers, researchers and support staff at RSU, as well as the risk to the continuity of studies and research activity at RSU, on-site lectures and classes at RSU have been suspended. The study process is now carried out remotely using the e-learning environment in accordance with the existing schedules and any changes thereto. All meetings between lecturers, administration and support staff will also henceforth be organised online.

RSU ensures regular information exchange with the Latvian CDPC, including the involvement of experts on infectious diseases and epidemiology from both RSU and the Latvian CDPC, in order to implement safety measures. The decision has therefore been made to close all study premises at 16 Dzirciema iela as well as all other RSU study base units. Entrance to any RSU premises is only permitted with a valid staff ID card. Students can enter the premises only by prior appointment, for example, to visit the Library. Work at the RSU Health Centre is also currently being reinforced in order to make COVID-19 tests more accessible in the near future.

On Tuesday, 27 October, Professor Guntis Bahs, RSU Vice-Rector for Health Studies, and Smuidra Žermanos, the Dean of the RSU International Student Department, provided information and answered the questions of almost 1,500 international students corncerning the pandemic and how studies will be planned.

A new email address has been created in order to facilitate the study process, provide answers to any questions, and to support students and lecturers : studijuprocessrsu[pnkts]lv. It is also possible to fill in a form on the RSU support site https://help.rsu.lv under the Study Department section.

From Friday, 30 October, stricter restrictions on gatherings in both private and public settings will come into force in Latvia. Accordingly, no more than 10 people may gather at private events (both indoors and outdoors). No more than 300 people (both indoors and outdoors) may gather at public events. In addition, everyone attending public indoor events, must be seated in fixed, individual seats and wear a face mask.

We remind you that the work of RSU is regulated by the Procedures for the implementation of precautions for the containment of the spread of Covid-19 infection at Rīga Stradiņš University.

When the situation or decisions about the study process change, RSU management will circulate information via the official RSU communication channels: on the website, on the student portal MyRSU, as well as be sent to students and lecturers by e-mail.

RSU works in accordance with the regulations issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, No. 360 Epidemiological Safety Measures for the Containment of the Spread of COVID-19 Infection, as well as follows all current events of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Health regarding restrictions of the spread of COVID-19.

Information from the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the containment of COVID-19

Information from the Ministry of Health regarding the containment of COVID-19

RSU would like to remind you that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19: 

• Observe self-isolation if you have arrived from abroad;
• Observe social distancing and avoid attending public events outside your studies;
• Always use a face mask on RSU premises;
• Observe a distance of 2m when gathering in larger groups;
• Disinfect and wash your hands regularly;
• Take care of your health! If you show any symptoms of respiratory infection, stay at home and inform your family doctor. If you test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate and inform your faculty immediately.

Let's respect one another and keep ourselves and others safe!