University of Szeged Béla Bartók Faculty of Arts

Several misconceptions regarding the coronavirus outbreak have come to light and ‘simple methods’ to prevent disease are widely known. Here are 15 of them published by World Health Organization (WHO).

This is to inform the community of the University that resolutions on the current epidemic situation previously issued by the Management of the University of Szeged, circulars issued by the Coronavirus Operative Committee are still in force and remain therein until withdrawal.

Leaders of the University of Szeged informed the university citizens in a video about the measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection. Prof. Dr. Klára Gellén, Vice-Rector for Education highlighted the most important information on distance education while Prof. Dr. Csaba Lengyel, Chair of the Coronavirus Operative Committee introduced the changes affecting the Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center. Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, informed the university citizens on measures to be taken regarding employees.

Through Coursera for Campus and Coursera’s Coronavirus Response Initiative, University of Szeged students will gain free access to 3,800+ courses from the world’s top university and industry educators.

In several Hungarian press agencies, information has come to light that I am one of the citizens of Szeged who became ill as a result of a new type of coronavirus infection. The news is true.

In addition to the health student hotline launched on the 10th of March, a chatbot has also been launched to inform university students at the SZTE. On the University of Szeged Facebook page, Berci-bot provides information in Hungarian and English on distance education, graduation and dormitory placement.

Sixth year General Medicine students, as well as Dentistry and Pharmacy students may continue their clinical and professional practice during the period of general prohibition of practical trainings. Students participating in doctoral programmers and have completed the complex examination and students with a public servant status with the University may enter the buildings of the Institution for work purposes.

In order to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease, measures concerning employment have been introduced at the University of Szeged until further notice of the management.

With regard to the state of emergency ordered by the Government of Hungary on the 11^th March, the University of Szeged will switch to distance education on the 23^rd March until withdrawal, after the spring break. Posts in connection with distance education as well as useful tools illustrated with introductory videos have been published on the CooSpace information scenes.

The Ministry of Human Capacities of Hungary has ordered that all interventions not requiring immediate medical care shall be postponed from the 16^th March 2020 until the state of emergency is terminated. In order to implement the measure, the University of Szeged immediately took the necessary steps.

The areas affected as indicated on the website of the National Public Health Service of Hungary are: Italy, China, Iran, South Korea, Iran and Heinsberg district of Germany. Passengers arriving from the abovementioned areas showing symptoms of coronavirus shall be considered as suspicious/under investigation and the procedure of the National Public Health Service of Hungary shall be followed, including the application of quarantine and laboratory testing.

Missions to foreign countries – regardless of the destination – cannot be ordered or authorized, university citizens are advised to delay their private travels abroad and citizens of foreign countries are not allowed to reside on campus. According to the Government Decree, healthcare workers shall only be allowed to leave the territory of Hungary with the permission of the Minister responsible for the relevant sector.

In order to prevent the further spread of the virus, preventive and protective measures have been introduced at the University of Szeged. Organizing and hosting an event with more than 100 attendees indoors and more than 500 attendees outdoors is prohibited. The individual written (electronic) permission of the Coronavirus Operative Committee is necessary for the organization of events with 50-100 attendees indoors and 150-500 attendees outdoors.

An educational break has been ordered for the 12^th and 13^th March and the Spring Break period of the University will be between the 14^th of March 2020 (Saturday) and 22^nd of March 2020 (Sunday). The University of Szeged will switch to distance education until withdrawal. All university students of Hungarian citizenship is required to move out of university dormitories and return home by the 13^th of March.

In order to prevent the spread of the new Coronavirus, subject to the decision of the University’s maintainer – keeping in mind the personal safety of the students – the Rector hereby orders for the 12th and the 13th of March Rector’s (educational) break.

Crucial information and important measures concerning the coronavirus disease are now available 24/7 via a student information line from the 10th of March at the University of Szeged. Students of the University of Szeged can request information in English and Hungarian via this phone number: +36 70 439 9279.

Further measures have been introduced at the University of Szeged regarding the spread of the coronavirus originating from China. In order to protect the general health of the university community of 30,000 members, the Rector and Chancellor of the SZTE issued a circular calling upon members to refrain from work and attending lectures if returning from an area affected and travelling to such areas shall be avoided.