The government announced on 25 January 2022 that it was easing more restrictions. The University will apply these eased restrictions from 26 January 2022. We are pleased that more is possible once again. A new version of the Campus Protocol that incorporates the eased restrictions will be published as soon as possible.

The main changes are as follows:

• As of 26 January there are new rules on face masks. Students and staff must wear a face mask at the University, when both sitting and moving around. The exception is if you are sitting 1.5m away from other people. Then you do not need to wear a face mask. This will make it easier to sit exams or study in the library, for example, without having to wear a face mask. Preferably wear a disposable face mask (type II).
• Our University restaurants will reopen where possible from 7 February. This is partly dependent on staff availability. The Faculty Club, the Academy Building and the cafés with 1.5m seating will be open from 26 January. Our catering facilities will be open to students and staff without the need for a Covid certificate.
• There are more options for sport at the University Sports Centre. See the USC website for more information.
• Inaugural lectures and PhD ceremonies can be held with a maximum of 75 people. Catering at inaugural lectures and PhD ceremonies is possible once again.
• Other educational events are possible once again, with a maximum of 75 people. Study associations with questions about this should contact their assessor. 
• The quarantine rules for students have been eased. Students who had a booster jab over a week ago or have had coronavirus in the past eight weeks no longer have to quarantine if they have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus and if they do not have any symptoms themselves. For more information see the government website (in Dutch).
• The Hortus botanicus and restaurant have reopened.
• The BSA for first-year students has been relaxed. For more information see the student website.

Maximum group size
The maximum group size of 75 people per room still applies. It does not apply to exams and practicals. Students will find information about their planned teaching via their degree programme and on Brightspace.

Working from home
Staff should continue to work from home where possible, but can talk to their manager about any exceptions.

Dies Natalis
The Dies Natalis is scheduled to be held online, but now the restrictions have been eased the University and the Pieterskerk church are looking to see whether an in-person ceremony will be possible. The ceremony will be live streamed regardless. More information will follow.

Student travel
The University has relaxed its travel policy for students. See the student website for more information.

PhD ceremonies and inaugural lectures can be held in person. To ensure the Academy Building does not become too crowded, the number of people allowed has been changed. At inaugural and valedictory lectures the maximum number of people allowed is 75, including the cortège. For PhD ceremonies the maximum is 75 people, including the committee.

For more information see the PhD ceremony section on the staff members website. If you have any questions, please contact the Beadle's Office.

We are happy that the cabinet has decided that universities may open again for education on campus from 15 January. A maximum of 75 people are permitted per group and facemasks must be worn in all areas. Students will be informed by their programme when and for which programme components they may come to the University and whether their exams will be online or on campus. For staff, the advice to work from home still applies.

Sporting activities allowed
Taking part in individual indoor sports, in sports centres for example, are allowed again. This means that more sporting activities will be possible in the University Sports Centre. More information can be found on the USC website.

Inaugural lectures and PhD defences
Inaugural lectures and PhD defences can take place with a limited number of attendees and without a reception.

Study associations
Study associations may again organise events that can be classified as educational activities.  Requests for events will be handled by the assessors. 

Second semester
We have to prepare for education on campus for the coming semester starting on 7 February. This means that we will ask students, including international students, to come to Leiden/The Hague in so far as this is possible and to be present in person where this is permitted. 

The main changes and measures for Leiden University are:

• There is a maximum group size of 75 students for each separate room. Examinations are exempted from this rule. Students will be informed by their programme department whether their examinations will be online or on campus.
• In all our buildings, a distance of 1.5 metres from one another must be observed where possible.
• Work from home as much as possible. If you have a good reason to come to the office, discuss this with your supervisor.
• Facemasks must be worn within University buildings at all times, even when you are seated. Disposable facemasks (type II) are preferred.
• As a preventive measure, we request our staff and students to take a self-test twice a week. Students and staff at our University can order self-tests on line free of charge via Zelftestonderwijs.nl.
• It is important to make sure that rooms have enough fresh air. All teaching areas at the University are ventilated in line with the requirements of the RIVM and the building regulations. Almost everywhere this is managed centrally via mechanical ventilation which is switched on early in the morning. Not all work areas and meeting rooms have mechanical ventilation, particularly in the older buildings.  It is important in these areas to ensure adequate ventilation by opening the windows.
• We urge everyone to have vaccinations/boosters to protect against the coronavirus. Students and staff in Leiden can arrange this via the GGD Hollands-Midden health authority. Students and staff in The Hague should contact the GGD Haaglanden (Dutch website only) health authority.
• Only together can we get the coronavirus in the Netherlands under control. Therefore, follow the basic rules and adhere to the quarantine guideline.

On 3 January the government announced that the restrictions imposed on higher education on 18 December will continue to apply until 14 January. This means that our teaching will be online until 14 January. Exams and practicals can be held in person if that is possible. Students will be informed about this by their degree programmes, and will also find information on Brightspace.

The government will look on 14 January at whether the restrictions can be eased. The current rules will apply until then. For more information see the government website (in Dutch).