Like in the Czech Republic, where a colour-coded coronavirus alert system has been in place since the beginning of August to track cases by district, during the upcoming academic year Masaryk University will introduce a similar “traffic-light” system to regulate university activities.
There are four risk levels, each with a corresponding colour: white, green, yellow, and red. White means zero or negligible risk; green, occurrence of cases without community spread; yellow, beginning community sp read; and red, growing or constant community spread.
“The general alert level for Masaryk University is based on the alert level determined by the Ministry of Health for the Brno-City district. Faculty deans or other institute heads may declare higher alert levels for a particular MU building if there are a greater number of cases linked to that building,” says Rector Martin Bareš.
Imposing restrictions on the most at-risk parts of MU means that university-wide limitations can be avoided.
There are four alert levels at the university that correspond with the four risk levels. These alert levels regulate procedures, activities, and measures at the school. When there is zero risk (white level), only class sizes are limited. When the alert level is green, it is recommended that people keep two metres away from others and wear protective gear. Also, canteens are closed to the public, and employees are prohibited from taking domestic business trips to areas with a high number of cases.
When a yellow alert is issued for a MU building, the building will be closed to the public, and students and employees must wear facemasks inside. At this level, all classes with more than 50 students must be taught remotely, the number of people present in research labs is limited, and it is recommended to close computer labs and indoor sporting facilities and to cancel academic ceremonies. A red alert means closing building to the public and students, fully transitioning to remote learning (including exams), and limiting canteen and dormitory operations.
Information about the current alert level will be placed in a visible location at the entrance of all buildings and in suitable spots inside buildings. This information will also be kept up to date on the Masaryk University website.
The rector has also implemented emergency measures at Masaryk University, which limit in-person classes to 50 students, require students to report if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or been ordered into quarantine, and forbid people with symptoms of viral infections from entering university buildings.