Important Announcement About the Organisation of the Study Process at RSU from 30 August 2021

On 19 May, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) issued a Rector’s Decree regarding how the study process will be organised in the future under the conditions of the spread of the COVID-19 infection. It outlines those categories of students and employees that will be able to participate in the study process in person, including at medical facilities, starting from 30 August 2021.

It is possible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Latvia free of charge. RSU has already organised, and will continue to organise, mass vaccination events on university premises in order to increase herd immunity among students and staff. Vaccination is the only science-based and safe way to significantly reduce the risk of spreading the infection and to ensure that on-site studies and research at RSU can continue. Evidence suggests that the available COVID-19 vaccines offer effective protection against the disease and significantly reduce the spread of infection.

In recent week there has, unfortunately, been an increase in the incidence of COVID-19 in Latvia. There have also been cases among RSU students and employees who have not been vaccinated. The risk of infection is still high! RSU encourages all students, especially all prospective healthcare professionals, to consider their own and others’ health and get a government-funded vaccine. Let’s work together!

In order to ensure that studies and research at RSU can continue during the pandemic, to reduce the health risk to students, staff and visitors, and to observe the national mandatory epidemiological safety measures and restrictions, people in any of the following categories will be allowed to participate in studies from 30 August this year:

1. Anyone who is vaccinated against COVID-19 –
   1. starting from day 15 after receiving their full vaccination dose of a vaccine that is registered by the European Medicines Agency, or equivalent regulators, or recognised by the World Health Organisation according to the medication leaflet, or
   2. between day 22 and 90 after receiving the first dose of the Vaxzevria vaccine or immediately after receiving the second dose of the Vaxzevria vaccine;
2. Anyone who can provide evidence of having contracted COVID-19, starting from the time their doctor discontinued isolation until 180 days after the date that the specimen confirming COVID-19 infection by SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was obtained;
3. Anyone who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 provided that they can produce a negative SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA test within 72 hours before each visit to the workplace or medical facility and before potential contact with colleagues or patients. These tests will be paid for by the person themselves, unless they can provide proof that they have clinical contraindications to being vaccinated against COVID-19;
4. Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have evidence of anaphylaxis following the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 and provided that they can produce a negative SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA test within 72 hours before each visit to the workplace or medical facility and before contact with colleagues or patients. In this case, the cost of testing is covered by RSU.

Rector's Decree outlining the conditions for attending work/studies in person

Procedure for the implementation of precautions for the containment of the spread of Covid-19 infection at Rīga Stradiņš University (24 May 2021)

Thank you for understanding and for continuing to act responsibly!