17-01-2022 Corona-update: Face masks compulsory in higher education

The Cabinet has made wearing face masks compulsory in higher education as of Saturday, 15 January 2022. This was one of the preconditions for the reopening of higher education.

This means that you have to wear a face mask in all Saxion buildings, both during and outside classes. The medical face mask type 2 is preferred as this type offers you and others around you better protection against possible infection. This has been proved by scientific research.

By wearing face masks we hope to prevent infections and reduce absenteeism at our locations and promote a healthy study and working environment.

A few exceptions

We can imagine that in some situations wearing a face mask may seem rather irrelevant and in those moments you are left wondering why you have to wear one. We have asked the Dutch Association of Universities of Applied Sciences and the ministry for more clarity on this issue. Until we get this, we only have the following exceptions:

In office spaces where a social distance of 1.5 metres can be maintained, staff may remove a face mask when seated.
You may remove your face mask when working behind a protective screen.
If wearing a face mask proves to be a hindrance for a lecturer or researcher during the provision of an educational or research activity and when a distance of 1.5 metres can be maintained, then the face mask may be removed for the duration of the activity.
In the event that wearing a face mask is a hindrance for a student when participating in an educational or research activity. The lecturer or researcher may then decide whether the student may remove the face mask, for example when giving a presentation or during a physical educational activity such as singing, drama and dancing. However, a distance of 1.5 metres has to be maintained. Upon completion remember to put your face mask back on.
Of course you can remove your face mask to eat and drink, but only when sitting or standing in one place and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from others.
In addition, those who can not wear a face mask for medical reasons are exempt from the rule. In that case you have to be able to show your ‘Own declaration of exemption from wearing a face mask’.