Coronavirus - Current situation
On this website you will find the latest information from the University of Bern on how to deal with the corona epidemic.
As of January 3, 2022, examiners can obtain hygiene masks from the facility services of the following properties: vonRoll area, Uni Tobler, ExWi, Vetsuisse, ZSSW, H4, UniS, Balz4 Library, IPS/BOGA, Mit43, Chemistry, Münstergasse Library
The top priority is protecting everyone's health. Currently, the following regulations and recommendations apply:
- There is a certificate requirement and an obligation to wear a mask for all activities that take place within the framework of the university, regardless of the number of participants. A fact sheet on the general handling of the current situation can be found here. Answers to current questions can be found here.
- The University offers testing opportunities for a so-called ‘UniBE-certificate’ at three locations. This certificate is valid only for the University.
- The compliance with the certificate requirement is controlled by means of random checks. The random checks are carried out by authorized and trained personnel of the company VüCH AG.
- In addition to the previous regulations, masks must be worn by people aged 12 and over at all events - regardless of whether the event is subject to a certificate requirement or not. Speakers, people engaged in sports or cultural activities, and guests who are consuming food and beverages are exempt.
- Supervisors, lecturers and organizers of events such as meetings etc. do not have to carry out checks, but they are authorized to do so.
- There are attendance requirements for various events and activities in teaching and operations. These are still valid. Students and employees are required to attend these events with a valid certificate. There is no right to online participation in these cases.
- From 20 December 2021, an obligation to work from home applies to the whole of Switzerland. If working from home is not possible, the presence at the workplace must be arranged in consultation with the superior.
- In case of symptoms of illness, stay at home and avoid contact with others (self-isolation).
- Masks must be worn in buildings.
- Masks do not have to be worn in the workplace if no one else is in the same room.
- Meetings, discussions, etc. should be held virtually wherever reasonable or possible. They can only be conducted in person if all participants have a certificate, wear masks and maintain the distance of 1.50 meters.
- All continuing education courses and events must be carried out with a certificate. The 2G rule applies. In addition, there is an obligation to wear a mask (Protection concept, last amended on December 20, 2021). In general, it is recommended that continuing education events be conducted online wherever possible.
- In libraries, a mask must be worn and in addition a certificate is required to use reading places and participate in events. You can find more information here.
- A certificate is still required to take part in guided university sports and participants now also have to register online in advance. Certificate checks will be carried out widely at the entrances or by training managers before starting the training. For fitness rooms, the registration is done on site by leaving your contact details. You can find all information about Unisport here.
- Events with external participation which are not teaching or continuing education are also possible, in principle. The certificate requirement applies for participation in all these events and there is an obligation to wear a mask. Reservations must be made through the lecture hall management.
- The crisis management team of the University of Bern has closely examined the possibilities and effects of individual testing and mass testing on everyday life at the University and has adapted this concept several times based on the epidemiological situation and the requirements of the federal government and the canton.
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In order to increase the safety at events which are not teaching or continuing education, the university is now providing rapid antigen tests free of charge. The rapid antigen tests can be ordered by event organizers via email at gebaeudebetrieb.bt@unibe.ch. Ideally, the order should be placed several days in advance so that delivery can be guaranteed.
The university's crisis management team recommends:
- Vaccination against Sars-CoV-2: be.vacme.ch
- Installing the official Swiss-COVID app.
All other measures, especially the social distancing rules and hygiene recommendations, remain in place and apply until further notice. The website is regularly being updated. In the event of contradictory statements, the latest information applies.
Testing sites at the University of Bern
At least until the end of March 2022, members of the University of Bern will have the opportunity to get tested and receive a UniBE certificate at three locations.
- Test site H4: Hochschulstrasse 4 (main building), first floor, east wing (site plan and building plan)
- Test site Bus 20a: Bühlstrasse 20a (pavilion), first floor (site plan and building plan)
- Test site Bg107: Bremgartenstrasse 107 (veterinary hospital), first floor site plan and building plan)
The testing sites are open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 14:00. Registration must be done in advance at covidtest.unibe.ch. The UNICARD must also be presented.
You can find more testing opportunities in the canton of Bern here.
Procedure for those who show symptoms of disease
If symptoms of illness occur, stay at home and avoid contact with other people (self-isolation).
Inform your doctor. Your doctor will decide whether a test is appropriate.
If you are tested and the result is positive, you must continue to isolate yourself. The competent cantonal authority will contact you and discuss all further steps. The cantonal authority will also inform you when the isolation can end.
If the test result is negative, you can leave isolation 24 hours after the last symptoms of the disease have subsided.
Points of contact
The university’s in-house physician is the first point of contact for lecturers and employees with medical questions related to Covid-19 – in particular for questions regarding the handling of people who have tested positive. She can be contacted by e-mail at betriebsarzt@unibe.ch.
For UniBE-specific questions: Risk Management Unit as coordinating office, E-Mail
Public Events and Infrastructure
The university buildings are basically open.
Events with external participation which are not teaching or continuing education are also possible, in principle. At these events, a valid certificate is required for participation. In addition, masks must be worn.
In-person courses and continuing education can only take with a valid Covid certificate. The 2G rule applies. In addition, masks must be worn.
In libraries, a mask must be worn and in addition, a certificate is required to use reading places and participate in events. You can find more information here.
A certificate is still required to take part in guided university sports and participants now also have to register online in advance. Certificate checks will be carried out widely at the entrances or by training managers before starting the training. For fitness rooms, the registration is done on site by leaving your contact details. You can find all information about Unisport here (in german).
Current Information
The situation may change continuously. The most up-to-date information for Switzerland can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health.
For further questions about the coronavirus: Infoline FOPH: +41 58 463 00 00
Business and private trips
The situation for travel activities is currently rather unclear and can change at any time. Non-essential travel is therefore not recommended. You can find further information on this here.
Responsibilities and directives
The crisis management unit and the University Executive Board are responsible for the drafting and enactment of university directives.
Organizational units (institutes, departments, divisions) are responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the University's directives. The responsibility lies directly with the managers of the respective organisational units.
In every situation, a substitute regulation must be established.
The following directives generally describe the minimum standards in principle. In case of doubt, whichever option that minimizes the risk of spreading the disease, based on local conditions, should be chosen.