The announcement following the Czech government’s decision to declare a state of emergency

Spectabiles,

Dear deans, directors, and colleagues,

I am sending this announcement following the Czech government’s decision to declare a state of emergency on Thursday, March 12, 2020, beginning at 14h00 and to last 30 days, a response to the health crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus (usnesení vlády České republiky č. 69/2020 Sb., ze dne 12. 3. 2020, kterým byl v souladu s čl. 5 a 6 ústavního zákona č. 110/1998 Sb., o bezpečnosti České republiky).

Studies

Importantly, the conditions set within the state of emergency will not impact measures adopted by Charles University earlier this week concerning pedagogical, scientific and research activities. All three will continue uninterrupted – the only thing that is changing is the form of education and other activities.

In response to your questions, let me emphasise that individual forms of teaching and education, such as consultations, individual laboratory work, and so on, are not affected. Likewise, individual and state exams will also continue. In terms of the state of emergency, care must be taken not to exceed a ban forbidding groups of more than 30 people meeting.

Deans of Charles University faculties may agree to exceptions for students or staff who volunteer to help in the face of the crisis. Currently, the university and the Health Ministry of the Czech Republic are negotiating the possibility of 5th and 6th year university medical students helping health care services during this period.

Students and staff abroad

Charles University is focussing on students and staff who are currently abroad for study or work reasons (including students and staff in the United States). The university will make an announcement about developments on Friday.

Dormitories and refectories

Dormitories remain unaffected but with lower demand or need, output at refectories will be lessened beginning next week. The university will release more details on Friday.  

If you have any questions, please address those to Charles University’s crisis team at krizovytym@cuni.cz

We are continuing to monitor developments and will inform you without delay about new steps should the situation change.

Allow me to extend my thanks to all of you for your efforts, cooperation and calm and rational approach. Together, we will get through this difficult period.

Best regards,

Rector Tomáš Zima

March 12, 2020, 17h00, in Prague