Preventive measures Corona

The coronavirus (Covid-19) has an enormous impact on our daily life. Since Friday March 13^th, we have been forced to close our campuses and have switched solely to digital work and education activities.

On Friday April 24^th the National Security Council announced that the corona measures would be relaxed. Contactless work and education activities remain the norm for now, but we have planned a partial restart for some education and exam activities on campus, starting Monday May 18^th.

AP has drafted a series of preventive measures to help ensure:

qualitative education and work activities
maximum health and safety, by limiting the number of physical contacts and consequently further spread of the coronavirus

Of course general prevention measures also remain in force:

Sick? Stay home.
Keep your distance (min. 1,5 m) on and off campus.
No physical contact (e.g. shaking hands, kissing, hugging, touching ...)
Wash (and sanitize) your hands regularly and thoroughly with water and soap.
Sneeze or cough into a paper tissue, which you dispose immediately in a closed-off trash can.
No paper tissue? Sneeze or cough in the crook of your arm.

We count on everyone's citizen sense and common sense when it comes to following these measures on and off campus.

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE: The information below does not fully apply to our Schools of Arts. Students from the Royal Conservatory Antwerp and Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp will receive customized information via e-mail, Digitap and the FAQ on AP Arts.

FAQ Preventive measures

Campus Access
Circulation on campus
Hygiene
Cleaning
- Will there be extra cleaning on campus?
Education and exam activities
Emergency situations
- What if there's a fire alarm?
- What if someone requires first aid?
Other questions?

CAMPUS ACCESS

Are all these extra measures on social distancing and hygiene really necessary?

The coronavirus (Covid-19) is highly contagious and spreads from human to human through small droplets. When you cough or sneeze the virus transmits by air onto nearby items and surfaces. Others can become contamintaed when they breathe in these droplets or transmit them with their hands onto their eyes, nose or mouth. Therefore, extra measures are necessary.

The less people are on campus, the less risk for further spread of the virus. Therefore, we have switched to digital work, education and exam activities from a distance, wherever possible. Yet, for some activities, fully digital alternatives are unfortunately not available. Thus, we have provided a limited restart under strict conditions.

Can anyone visit the campus?

No. For the time being, our campuses remain closed for the public.

Starting Monday May 18 limited access to our campuses is granted to students, staff and third parties on these 3 conditions:

(1) your presence is strictly necessary
(2) you are not sick
(3) you(r roommate) do(es) not belong to a risk group

In short, this means access is granted to:

Students
- For strictly necessary education and exam activities. These will be announced via the regular channels: mail, Digitap, Webuntis ...
- To borrow or return study material(s). Only after registration and appointment via Digitap.
Staff: after approval from your supervisor.
Third parties: after approval from the managing board or Heads of Education.

WHAT ARE STRICTLY NECESSARY EDUCATION AND EXAM ACTIVITIES?

Education and examactivities which

cannot be postponed
cannot be organized digitally from a distance

For example: classes such as labs, practica, ateliers ...

For example: exams which cannot be taken at home:

because students lack a proper environment
due to technical problems
from a legal point of view

WHAT IF I AM SICK?

If you are sick or have disease symptoms, you may not visit the campus.

Stay home.
Contact your doctor / GP by phone.
Report your absence via the regular channels.
Did you or your roommate test positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) with or without symptoms? Report this to our prevention service and stay in self isolation at home for 14 days.

WHAT IF I BELONG TO A RISK GROUP?

If you or someone you live with, belong(s) to a risk group, you may invoke force majeure.

Ask your doctor / GP for a letter or certificate. This is mandatory!
Report this to your Head of Teaching (student) or supervisor (staff).
We will look for a suitable solution together.

MAY I STUDY AND/OR TAKE MY EXAMS ON CAMPUS?

Study corners and other seating areas on campus are currently closed off for the general public.

Students who don't have the appropriate space and/or means to study and/or take their exams at home, may apply for:

study spaces on campus NOO (via AP / STUVO)
silent study spaces on various locations in Antwerp (via STAN / Stad Antwerpen)

Use of these spaces is unfortunately limited and under conditions, due to the strict safety measures. Therefore students with the most urgent needs will be given priority. If you'd like to use one of these spaces, please send a motivated request to STUVO of STAN in which you explain your need (home situation, study situation ...)

Are there extra checks on CAMPUS?

We keep a daily overview of attendees and used rooms, in function of cleaning and disinfection.
Security firm Seris will help monitor our campus entrances. Make sure you have your student or staff ID card on hand at all times.
Arrive on time and keep your distance (min 1,5 m) during queuing.
Meeting up with others on and near the campuses is not allowed.
Those who don't respect the measures on hygiene and social distancing will be asked to leave the campus immediately.

CIRCULATION ON CAMPUS

HOW CAN I KEEP MY DISTANCE ON CAMPUS?

Our campuses will be opened for a limited amount of people. In addition, we have worked out a circulation plan for each campus, to ensure maximum physical distancing. This entails:

Separate entrances and exits.
One way traffic wherever possible.
Keep right at all times.
Separate stairs for people going up and coming down.
Minimal exposure to contact surfaces (door handles, doors ...).
Doors remain open wherever possible.

HOW DO I KNOW WHERE I MAY / MUST WALK ON CAMPUS?

The circulation plan must be followed strictly and is therefore made visible by means of:

posters
walking lines, markings and arrows

Physical distancing depends on the room and the situation. For instance:

At the front desk
- Physical distance is widened, if needed by extra plexi screens
- Waiting spots are provided on the floor
In (class)rooms
- You can only sity in designated spots.
- In case of frequent use (e.g. pratica), fixed seats will be assigned.
In offices
- Preferably, you work alone.
- In landscape offices max. 1 person per 4 m² is allowed.
- Sit diagonally instead of opposite of each other (no tête-à-tête).

Please note: we cannot impose all these measures on every single campus, due to architectural limitations. In such cases, please use your common sense:

Act resposibly towards others.
Communicate clearly (and preferably non-verbal) to maintain distance.
Turn your back towards each other, while crossing in the hallways or rooms.

MAY I USE THE ELEVATOR?

Elevator use is not recommeded.

Unless strictly necessary (e.g. due to disability, heavy cargo ...). Please note:
- Only 1 person in the elevator at a time.
- Preferably use your elbow to operate the buttons.
- Wear a mouth mask.
Staircase doors remain open, provided there is no conflict with fire safety regulations.
Stair railings are cleaned and disinfected frequently.

MAY I USE THE LOCKERS?

Yes, but only single person lockers.

Keep your distance (min. 1,5 m) during use.
Personal belongings which cannot be stored in a locker, are exceptionally allowed in the (class)rooms.
- Keep some distance between the materials (e.g. coats next to instead of on top of each other).
- Keep your distance when you store or collect your materials.

MAY I USE THE COPIER, PRINTER OR SCANNER?

Yes, these are operated contactless as much as possible.

Wear gloves or use your elbow.
Don't use shar objects (e.g. pen, keys) to avoid damage to the touchscreen.

MAY I USE THE BICYCLE RACK OR GARAGE?

Yes, these remain accessible.

You must wear a mouth mask upon entry.
Bicycles may be placed next to each other. But be sure to keep your distance (min 1,5 m) when parking or retrieving your bike.

Are the (media) libraries open?

Yes, but only:

To return or borrow materials.
After registration and appointment by e-mail in advance. Check the procedure on Digitap.
On campus NOO, MEI, KA en KCA (Minerva building).

Are borrowed materials placed in quarantine?

Yes, returned documents and materials are:

stored (in a separate zone) for at least 48 hours
disinfected immediately

are the campus restaurants OPEN?

No. For the time being, we do not offer catering on our campuses.

Cafetaria remain closed to avoid large gatherings in one spot.
Students are not allowed to eat on campus.
Vending machines for snacks and drinks are temporarily out of order.

ARe the staff canteens open?

Yes, due to their smaller scale, these remain open for the time being. But only if the following guidelines are respected:

Clean the table before and after each use.
Bring your own food and drinks.
Bring your own cutlery and tableware (e.g. glass, cup, cutlery, plate). If you use school items, make sure you rinse them before use and place them near the dishwasher after use.
Keep your distance:
- Leave at least 2 seats in between.
- Sit diagonally from each other instead off opposite (no tête-à-tête).
- If needed, use divider screens.

WHAT IF I NEED TO HAVE A PERSONAL CONVERSATION?

Several activities (e.g. front desk, enrolment of new students, consults ...) require face-to-face meetings.

Keep your distance.
- Wear a mouth mask.
- Use a plexiscreen or face-shield.
Sit diagonally from each other instead off opposite (no tête-à-tête).

HOW IS MAIL PROCESSED?

The risk for coronavirus contamination is minimal during mail processing. Follow this approach:

First, open all envelopes / parcels (with a letter opener, scissors ...)
Wash your hands.
Handle the envelopes / parcels with one hand and remove the contents with your other hand.
Toss all packagings (in the paper waste).
Wash your hands again.
Due to the travel time, it is not necessary to disinfect the mail contents.

HYGIENE

DOES AP PROVIDE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT?

Yes, for those (who need to be) present on campus, we provide:

disinfecting hand sanitizer
mouth masks
gloves

Unfortunately, our stock is rather limited, due to the big demand. So:

Only use what you need.
Please don't take extra materials home with you.

Must I clean my hands?

Disinfect your hands upon entry on campus. We provide hand sanitizer at every entrance.
Wash your hands regularly. Preferably with running water and liquid soap. This is a must:
- after you have sneezed, coughed or blown your nose
- before and after each toilet visit
- before and after you eat something
- before and after you remove your mouth mask or gloves

MUST i WEAR GLOVES?

Wearing gloves sometimes gives a false sense of security. Therefore, this will not be generally required.

Gloves are mandatory:

if you carry out cleaning activities
if you handle transferred materials, documents ...
if you use (lab)materials
if you use someone else's computer mouse, keyboard (ICT-intervention).

Replace your gloves:

When they are no longer intact (e.g. rippings).
After max. 4 hours wear.
When starting a new tasks.
Toss them in a closed-off trash can. They are collected via the residual waste.

MUST I WEAR A MOUTH MASK?

Wearing a mouth mask is a useful measure. It prevents:

that others become exposed to the virus, should you yourself be sick
that you yourself become exposed to the virus, should others be sick

A mouth mask is mandatory during motionary activities (i.e. when you move around campus and (might) come into contact with others, so you can't keep your distance (min 1,5 m). For example:

in the hallways
in the elevator and on the stairs
in (class)rooms

A mouth mask is not mandatory during stationary activities (i.e. when you remain in one spot and don't come into conact with others, so you can keep your distance (min 1,5 m). For example:

you sit down in a classroom, lab, office
during written exams when everyone is seated

How to put on a mouth mask?

First, wash your hans thoroughly.
Make sure you only touch the ribbons or elastic ear loops.
Never touch the inside of your mouth mask.
Adjust the top of the mask by molding it to your nose.
Make sure there are no gaps along the sides.
Make sure your nose, mouth and chin are covered.

How to wear a mouth mask?

Mask on? Make sure you don't touch it (nor the rest of your face).
Mask out of place? Readjust it, but make sure you only touch it from the sides.
Avoid putting it on and taking it off repeatedly.
Replace your mouth mask: after 8 hours, after 4 hours of intensive use (e.g. talking) or even quicker when the mask is damp or dirty.

How to remove a mouth mask?

Make sure you only touch the ribbons or elastic ear loops.
Wash your hands thoroughly after you have taken it off.
Taken your mask of shortly? (e.g. to drink) Place it in a clean space which can easily be cleaned or in a breathable bag.

How to wash and store a mouth mask?

Place used mouth masks in a closed, fabric bag which you wash together with the mask.
Clean your mouth mask after every single use.
- Wash it with some washing detergent and the rest of your laundry in the washing machine at 60° C.
- Boil it in a cooking pot (which you only use for this purpose).
- Hand wash? Iron your mask afterwards on a high temperature.
Wash your hands after you've handled a used / dirty mask.
Make sure your mouth mask is fully dry before re-using it. Preferably, provide at least two mouth masks, so you can alternate.
Don't put your mouth mask in a fridge or freezer. The cold won't kill the virus, but you will be at risk of contaminating your food.
Store clean or unused masks in a fixed and clean spot.

MAY I STILL USE THE TOILET?

Yes, off course.

Wash your hands before and after each toilet visit. This helps avoid cross-contamination when touching door handles and other surfaces.
Keep your distance (min 1,5 m) in the toilet block. The number of people allowed inside = the number of sinks.
Toilet occupied? Wait in the hallway and keep your distance.
Dry your hands with paper towels or a towel roll. Avoid single towels and hand dryers (these latter will be out of order).
Feel free to use disinfecting hand sanitizer after you have washed and dried your hands.

What if you've run out of soap or paper?

This might happen, since all of us are washing our hands (even more). We ask all of you to keep an eye out. All out? Report this to the front desk of your campus immediately.

MAY I USE THE SHOWERS ON CAMPUS?

No. All showers and changing rooms (individual and communal) are closed to due hygienic reasons.

ARE THE AIR SYSTEMS STILL ACTIVE?

Temperature and CO² will not be adjusted. But we will air out the rooms as much as possible. Windows and doors should be left open wherever possible, to allow maximal supply of outside air.

CLEANING

WILL THERE BE EXTRA CLEANING ON CAMPUS?

Our standard cleaning activities and procedures have been amplified.

Cleaning crews wear mouth masks and disposible nitrile gloves.
All smooth surfaces (e.g. tables, chairs, door handles ...) are disinfected with 70% ethanol.
Sanitary facilities (toilets, sinks) are cleaned and disinfected with belach (4%) frequently throughout the day.
All designated seats with fabric upholstery are vacuumed daily.
Computers that are shared by multiple people, get a cling film on the keyboard, which is replaced whenever there's a new user.
Computer mouses are cleaned with alcohol wipes (70%).
All carpeting is cleaned and vacuumed daily.

EDUCATION AND EXAM ACTIVITIES

HOW WILL THE EXAMS BE ORGANISED IN LIGHT OF PREVENTION?

Written and oral exams are organised digitally and from a distance, wherever possible. In some exceptional cases, examens will take place on campus:

students who lack a proper environment
in case of technical problems
from a legal point of view

The following measures apply to exams on campus:

Keep your distance (min 1,5 m) at all times: during waiting, during exams, when entering or leaving a room ...

Before the exam

Exam copies are handed out in advance to designated seats. The examiner and possible chaperone(s) wear gloves during this task.
Students prepare in designated seats.
Students wait until they are invited into the room by a staff member.
Students only sit in designated spots. Don't wander around needlessly.

During the exam

There will be no exchange of materials, so students must provide their own (e.g. pen, calculator, headset ...).
The examiner and student are separated by a plexi screen during oral exams.
The examiner sits in a fixed spot during the exam. The student's seat is cleaned after each individual use with 70% ethanol or disinfecting wipes.
Students only use designated seats. For instance, in computer rooms these can be recognised:
- The screen has been turned away.
- The keyboard has been removed.
- The power cable has been disconnected.
Keyboards are covered with cling film and swapped, whenever there's a new user.
- During written exams this is done by the cleaning crew.
- During oral exams this is done by the student upon arrival.
Computer mouses and screens are cleaned upon entry in the room with alcohol wipes (70%).
- During written exams this is done by the cleaning crew.
- During oral exams this is done by the student upon arrival.

After the exam

There will be a staggered departure.
Students deposit their exam in the provided plastic container upon departure from the room.
Students deposit the used cling film (keyboard) in the designated trash can upon departure from the room.
Examiners wait 48 hours before handling written exams.

MAY OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES STILL TAKE PLACE?

Yes, but only if:

there is no conflict with legal guidelines
the necessary preventive measures can be upheld

May internship visits still take place?

These are solely done digitally.

MAY I BRING MY OWN MATERIALS?

Yes, this mandatory. Materials may not be exchanged, so you must bring your own (e.g. writing utensils, calculator, headset, paper tissues ...)

MAY I USE THE EQUIPMENT ON CAMPUS?

During labs, students need to perform tests or measurements. This requires handling of materials and/or equipment.

Everyone wears disposible nitrile gloves.
Mouth masks may be replaced with face-shields.
Equipment is protected with cling film and cleaned thoroughly after each use (with 70% ethanol or disinfecting wipes).

WHAT IF I HAVE COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Each campus has its own helpdesk. Check the contact details on ICT-pedia.

At first, our helpdesk will try to help you out from a distance (e.g. by telephone, Microsoft Teams, take over your computer...)
No options left but a physical intervention? Then all parties involved wear:
- gloves during handling of the computer mouse or keyboard
- a mouth mask

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

WHAT IF THERE'S A FIRE ALARM?

Then the circulation plan is dismissed:

Leave the building as soon as possible via the nearest (emergency) exit.
Wear a mouth mask.
Try to keep your distance during evacuation.

WHAT IF SOMEONE REQUIRES FIRST AID?

During first aid interventions:

Keep your distance (min 1,5 m).
You may approach a victim if you wear nitril gloves and an FFP2-mask.
CPR trumps rescue breathing during reanimation.

Do you have another question?

First, check our general corona FAQ.
Can't find what you are looking for on this page either. Contact our prevention service: preventie.milieu@ap.be or 03 220 59 99.
Would you like to report a corona-related issue? Contact our AP-infoline: 03 220 59 99