There are some changes, but a lot will stay the same. Lectures will continue, but we will have to make some changes to our daily routines, to reflect the "General guidelines for prevention and protection against COVID-19 in delivering face-to-face teaching for the 2020-2021 academic year". These guidelines, in summary, ask you to be mindful in three main areas: social distancing, hygiene and personal commitment.

On your first day back at the Faculty you will probably notice a big difference: no more hugs and effusive signs of affection, this will have to be replaced by eye contact and conversations at a safe distance whilst wearing a face mask. Please respect a social distance of at least 1.5 metres with whomever you interact with.

Wearing a face mask is mandatory when you are in the Faculty. Even though you may be able to maintain a safe distance, in and out of the classrooms, this does not exempt you from wearing a face mask at any time. Bring your mask, and remember the recommended guidelines from the health authorities about the use of face masks. Please also consider the environmental impact when choosing your face mask. If you are not in a vulnerable category, then choosing a reusable face mask will also benefit the planet.

Clean your hands well and, when you are unable to wash them, use hand sanitizer. Be aware of how you are breathing and, if you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or, if you don´t have a tissue, with your elbow.  

All spaces on Campus now have a limited capacity, indicated on the relevant notices, and this also applies to toilets and lifts. Why not improve the level of health and safety by avoiding using the lift? Also, respect the one way system in place in corridors and stairs to avoid congestion or contact.

Check your timetable carefully, identify which classroom you need to get to so you can make your way there avoiding unnecessary trips. You can check the classroom layout here before going to or leaving lessons. Try to use the same seat throughout the whole day. Remember, if your timetable says “Aula Virtual”, that lesson will be online.

The new timetables allow you to stay at home on the days when you only have online lessons, as this is one of the other changes we will have to get used to in this academic year: minimising our time spent on campus. When you are on campus, remember not to remain in the corridors and communal areas in between lessons. Instead, spend that time in open spaces. When your class schedule for the day is over, you must leave the University grounds.

Your personal commitment is key to avoiding risks. If you are feeling unwell or have any of the COVID-19 symptoms...Stay at home. Do this for yourself and for everyone else. Contact the faculty and we will put all the necessary measures in place to ensure you keep up to date with your studies, as far as your level of health allows. Likewise, if you are diagnosed with the disease or you have been told you have been in close contact with a contagious person, stay at home, rest, recover, and limit the spread of the virus.

Act Responsibly. We are the Faculty of Economics; we understand that the economy will find another lockdown very difficult. And we are a University, in latin“universitas” which means whole, or universal. We care about everyone's health and wellbeing. Let’s set an excellent social example, showing everyone that the university community knows how to behave whilst continuing to learn and teach and, in doing so, help to make this world a safer place.

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