The information provided by the government authorities suggests that at the end of the third extension of the state of alarm, on the 11th of May, it will be possible to resume in stages part of the face-to-face activities carried out by the University’s teaching and research staff and administration and services staff on campuses.

In view of this gradual return to face-to-face activities, when this possibility is confirmed, the Board of Management of Pompeu Fabra University has agreed –taking into account that the health authorities recommend working from home and that teaching in the third term will be exclusively in non-contact mode– a set of measures for leaving the lockdown. This agreement is based on the recognition of the diversity of situations in which all workers find themselves, as well as on the need to find flexible formulas that allow them to adapt as much as possible to the new situation. These measures are essentially intended to reconcile three objectives: 1) to comply with the provisions of public health and occupational safety provided for in the regulations and provisions in force; 2) to offer the maximum guarantees of security to the group of workers of the University; and 3) to facilitate as much as possible the development of the face-to-face activities which are essential for the present and future viability of some research projects.

In line with these objectives, the Board of Management of Pompeu Fabra University has agreed, on a general basis, to maintain the distance working modality of the last weeks at least between the 11th and 31st of May, limiting the number of people present on campus to the strictly essential one. However, given the need for some researchers to access their usual work places in order to continue their teaching and research activity, the University management has also agreed on three exceptions with different degrees of attendance.

The first of these exceptions affects teaching and research staff working in the development of research activities in laboratories which, by their very nature, cannot be carried out outside laboratories. This group of workers will be able to resume their face-to-face activity continuously from the 11th of May 2020, provided that the security and protection conditions established by current regulations are set and guaranteed, which for UPF will be set by the Office of Occupational Hazard Prevention and Health Promotion. In order to resume this face-to-face activity, they must obtain the prior authorization of the director of the corresponding UCA, and therefore those responsible for the research groups wishing to take advantage of this exception must submit an organization plan of the laboratory work which allows to ensure compliance with the aforementioned health conditions for the period between the 11th and the 31st of May 2020. Excluded from this exception are research activities that are usually carried out in laboratories but which can also be developed outside of these.

The second exception affects teaching and research staff who carry out teaching or research activities that may require occasional access to a laboratory or office (for example, to consult or collect materials or documentation). These people, although they will not be able to resume their face-to-face activity continuously on campus, will be allowed to access it occasionally on any of the days set by the different campus management offices during the period between the 11th and the 31st of May 2020. Each person may access it for a maximum of two days, and in no case for longer than three hours in a row, within the established time slots. The access and presence of these people must also be done in compliance with the security conditions established by current regulations.

The third exception affects administrative and service staff whose presence is strictly necessary in order to give effect to the two previous exceptions. The presence of this group of workers will be limited to the tasks and time necessary to ensure the proper development of the academic and research activities referred to in the preceding paragraphs. These people will also have at all times the necessary protective elements to meet the safety requirements.

The Board of Management of Pompeu Fabra University is convinced that these measures contribute to the social distancing necessary to protect society as a whole at the present time, while guaranteeing at the same time the progressive resumption and continuity of teaching and research activities which define our university and allow it to continue to actively contribute to social welfare, both now and in the future. Given the dynamic nature of the health crisis and the degree of uncertainty that accompanies current forecasts, the Board of Management will continuously monitor the impact and effectiveness of these measures and, where appropriate, will adapt them to the new circumstances. Any adaptations or changes will be duly communicated to the entire university community. Let’s try all together to collectively leave lockdown in a way which is safe for both UPF and society as a whole.

 

Barcelona, ​​29 April 2020