Information about Corona virus

Below you will find information about the latest developments.

(7^th July 2021)
3-G rule for safe university operation

As of 1^st August, the FH Campus Wien will be increasingly returning to face-to-face teaching - while continuing to provide the highest possible level of safety. The precondition for this is the 3-G rule in study and teaching operations and a general obligation to wear a face mask in all rooms of the FH Campus Wien, with possible exceptions in teaching rooms and offices.

3-G rule remains for face-to-face teaching

The 3-G rule continues to apply to face-to-face teaching, i.e. students and lecturers are required to provide proof of their 3-G status. Visitors and guests, interested parties or applicants also need a valid 3-G certificate. Generally, employees work on site again, of course taking into account their vaccination status, area of activity and office situation.

3-G rule: What counts as proof?

For a tested person                                                                          
> negative antigen self-test result (for up to max. 24 hours) recorded in an official data processing system
> negative antigen test result (for up to max. 48 hours) from an authorized center, e.g. test center or pharmacy
> negative PCR test result (for up to max. 72 hours) e.g. „Alles gurgelt!“
> test certificate (Green Certificate)

For a (partially) vaccinated person
Proof of vaccination with a centrally licensed vaccine against Covid-19 (vaccination certificate, vaccination card or extract of vaccination received e.g. from electronic vaccination record)..
> from the 22^nd day after the first vaccination (for up to max. 3 months)
> after the second vaccination (for up to max. 9 months)
> from the 22^nd day after vaccination in the case of vaccines with only one vaccination required (for up to a maximum of 9 months)
> after vaccination, if a positive biomolecular test for SARS-CoV-2 was available at least 21 days prior to vaccination or proof of neutralizing antibodies was available prior to vaccination (for up to max. 9 months)
> vaccination certificate (Green Certificate)

For a recovered person
> medical certificate of having recovered from an infection in the past 6 months, confirmed by biomolecular analysis (after expiry of the infection for up to max. 6 months)
> quarantine order (after the infection for up to max. 6 months)
> positive test result for neutralizing antibodies ( for up to max. 3 months from the date of the antibody test)
> recovery certificate (Green Certificate) from the 11^th day after the first biomolecular analysis confirmed infection (by means of PCR test) (up to max. 6 months)

Obligation to wear a face mask with exceptions

At the locations of the FH Campus Wien, wearing a face mask remains mandatory in all rooms. However, due to the applicable 3-G rule during study and teaching activities, lecturers and students do not have to wear face masks in the teaching rooms, laboratories and function rooms, i.e. during face-to-face lectures or examinations. Face masks must be worn in generally accessible areas (e.g. foyer, corridor, toilets).

No more minimum distance

From today's point of view, the minimum distance at the FH Campus Wien will no longer apply as of 1^st August due to a strict control of the 3-G certificates in the study and teaching operations and the general obligation to wear a face mask. However, if the number of infections increases, there may be changes at short notice. As a precautionary measure and for planning purposes for the face-to-face teaching, the already defined reduced room capacities will remain in place.

Events as well as library and media library

As of 1^st August , events at the FH Campus Wien with a maximum of 100 persons are possible again, subject to compliance with and strict control of the 3-G rule. For the use of the library and media library, a valid 3-G certificate is also required. This means that as of 1^st August , the minimum distance and the obligation to wear a face mask will no longer apply in the library.

More Information

Current figures in relation to the coronavirus in Austria
Information from Ages - Agency for Health and Food Security
Information from the Ministry of Health
Information specifically about the province of Vienna
Information of the ORF
Information from the Ministry of Science

Hotlines (around the clock)

1450 - only if illness is suspected
0800 555 621 - for general information

(2nd July 2021)
Wearing facemask instead of FFP2 mask now possible

As not everyone has had the opportunity for a vaccination appointment yet (this particularly affects our students), the FH Campus Wien will remain at the Corona traffic light status "red" until July 31.

Therefore, until July 31, our current safety measures (minimum distance, requirement to wear a mask, hygiene rules, etc.) will remain in place and Working From Home will remain our preferred working mode. However, as of now, it is possible to wear facemasks instead of FFP2 masks on our university premises. This regulation applies at all FH Campus Wien locations. In the case of study locations at hospitals, the regulations applicable there must be observed.

As of August 1, we would like to increase on-site operations. Information about the general conditions will follow soon.

(26^th May 2021)
Tested, vaccinated, or recovered: Proof required for on-site courses

The opening steps in the catering, sports or cultural sector are accompanied by the 3-G rule (tested, vaccinated or recovered) as an entry requirement. The Ministry of Science recommends that this rule also be applied to the limited face-to-face studying at universities.

Tested, vaccinated, or recovered

Therefore, as of Tuesday, June 1^st, the 3-G rule is applicable for students and lecturers instead of the testing obligation (antibody proof or negative test result). This means that participation in face-to-face lectures or examinations is only possible with a negative test result, after a vaccination or with proof of having recovered from a Covid 19 disease. This rule is applicable at all locations of the FH Campus Wien.

University as a safe place to study

FH Campus Wien will remain at the Corona traffic light status "red" until the end of the semester and our safety measures (2-meter distance, FFP2 mask requirement, hygiene rules, etc.) will remain in place to protect everyone, especially those who do not have the opportunity for a Covid-19 vaccination (yet). We therefore recommend that you continue to be tested regularly, even if you are already (partially) vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.

3-G rule: What qualifies as proof?

For a tested person                                                                          
> negative antigen self-test result (for up to max. 24 hours) recorded in an official data processing system
> negative antigen test result (for up to max. 48 hours) from an authorized center, e.g. test center or pharmacy
> negative PCR test result (for up to max. 72 hours) e.g. „Alles gurgelt!“
> test certificate (Green Certificate)

For a (partially) vaccinated person
Proof of vaccination with a centrally licensed vaccine against Covid-19 (vaccination certificate, vaccination card or extract of vaccination received e.g. from electronic vaccination record)..
> from the 22^nd day after the first vaccination (for up to max. 3 months)
> after the second vaccination (for up to max. 9 months)
> from the 22^nd day after vaccination in the case of vaccines with only one vaccination required (for up to a maximum of 9 months)
> after vaccination, if a positive biomolecular test for SARS-CoV-2 was available at least 21 days prior to vaccination or proof of neutralizing antibodies was available prior to vaccination (for up to max. 9 months)
> vaccination certificate (Green Certificate)

For a recovered person
> medical certificate of having recovered from an infection in the past 6 months, confirmed by biomolecular analysis (after expiry of the infection for up to max. 6 months)
> quarantine order (after the infection for up to max. 6 months)
> positive test result for neutralizing antibodies ( for up to max. 3 months from the date of the antibody test)
> recovery certificate (Green Certificate) from the 11^th day after the first biomolecular analysis confirmed infection (by means of PCR test) (up to max. 6 months)

(22^nd March 2021)
Distance learning until the end of the semester

To ensure that we keep infection risks as low as possible, the FH Campus Wien will remain at the Corona traffic light status "red" until the end of the semester. This means Working From Home remains our preferred working mode. No events will take place at the FH. The cafeteria at the main campus offers a take-away service.

Proof of test during study operations

As before, face-to-face teaching on site is only possible in small groups (max. 20 persons) for non-substitutable courses or examinations, subject to the strictest hygiene measures. In addition to the mandatory FFP2 face mask and the safety distance to be maintained, teachers and students must also provide a negative test result from Tues, 6^th April. The legal basis for the compulsory test has been announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research for the beginning of April.

Study groups, limited reading room use and admission procedure possible with test results

By providing proof of test results, it will be possible from Tue, 6^th April to facilitate on-site study groups in function rooms with up to 7 students, if the use of the function room facilities is necessary for the acquisition of competences. The use of the reading room of the library and media library with a pre-arranged appointment will also be made possible as of 12^th April. Admission procedures are also possible under these conditions.

"Alles gurgelt!": Free saline gargle PCR tests

Staff, teachers and researchers as well as students can participate in the Viennese project "Alles gurgelt!" and get access to free saline gargle PCR tests.

Planning for the winter semester 2021/22

Currently, we are assuming that we will still have to comply with hygiene measures and safety distance rules in the autumn and are therefore planning the coming winter semester in the same way as the last winter semester as a precautionary measure. This means a combination of face-to-face teaching on site and distance learning. The focus of the study and teaching activities on site is on practical courses which are necessary for the acquisition of competences or for which there are no reasonable online alternatives.

(22^nd January 2021)
Obligation for FFP2 mask and 2-metre distance

In response to the new corona mutations, which show a significantly higher risk of infection, the federal government has extended the lockdown and tightened the restrictions. In order to continue to enable safe university operations, we also need to tighten our restrictions:

Obligation for FFP2 mask and 2-metre distance

From Monday, 25^th January 2021, it will be mandatory to keep a safety distance of at least two metres from each other and to wear an FFP2 mask at all FH Campus Wien locations and cooperative study locations, for your own safety and that of your colleagues.

As a reminder, here are our four basic rules for common safety:

1. Stay at home in case of illness
   Generally, anyone who feels ill should stay at home. In case of symptoms of illness that could be related to a Covid-19 disease, is not permitted to come to the FH locations, including cooperative study location of the FH Campus Wien. If you have symptoms or fear that you may be suffering from Covid-19, please stay at home and contact the Health Advice Hotline on 1450. Covid-19 quarantine obligations or illnesses must be reported to your supervisor or the head of your degree programme.
    
2. Keep your distance
   Maintain a permanent distance of at least two meter between you and another person and avoid touching (e.g., shaking hands, hugging)
    
3. Wearing an FFP2 mask
   You must wear an FFP2 mask on all premises of the FH Campus Wien. Please put it on as soon as you enter the building.
    
4.  Wash hands regularly and observe the etiquette for coughing and sneezing
   Disinfect or wash your hands with soap (approx. 40 seconds) after entering the FH Campus Wien and also in between. Avoid touching your face with your hands. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or into a handkerchief (and dispose of it as soon as possible in the residual waste - not in the paper waste).

(14^th January 2021)
FH Campus Vienna remains "red" until Easter

Unfortunately, the current infection level does not allow for any relaxation in university operations. In order to keep the risk of infection as low as possible and to get through the next few weeks with as much stability as possible, we have decided to keep the Corona traffic light status "red" at the FH Campus Wien until Easter (5^th April 2021).

University operations at a distance

This means that employees of the FH Campus Wien generally work from home. With a few exceptions, all courses and examinations will remain to be held via distance learning and alternative forms. No events will take place at the FH and the canteen and cafeteria will remain closed until the end of the winter semester. The library and media library will remain open for borrowing, the reading room will remain closed.

Distance learning and limited face-to-face teaching

As before, face-to-face teaching is only possible in small groups (max. 15 people) for non-substitutable courses or examinations, subject to the strictest hygiene measures. The university is closed for other activities or meetings as part of the studies (e.g. study groups).

(4^th Dezember 2020)
FH Campus Wien remains "red"

In order to further minimise risks and ensure continuity in our university operations, the Corona traffic light status for the FH Campus Wien will remain "red"  until Sunday, 17^th January 2021.

University operations remain at a distance

Generally, employees of the FH Campus Wien continue to work from home. With a few exceptions, all courses and exams will continue to be taught via remote teaching and alternative forms. There are no courses at the FH and the cafeteria and canteen are closed. The present borrowing operations of the library and media library will continue, however, the reading room will remain closed.

On-site courses only in exceptional cases

It is still our primary goal to enable all students to progress in their studies despite these restrictions. As in the past, face-to-face teaching is only possible in small groups (max. 15 persons) for non-substitutable courses in functional rooms and laboratories, in compliance with the strictest hygiene measures. For all other activities or meetings as part of the course (e.g. study groups) the university is closed.

As of Monday, 7^th December, in addition to examinations, courses in other rooms than function rooms and laboratories (e.g. a small group in a seminar room) with a maximum of 15 people can be held on campus. The prerequisite for this is that without holding these courses on campus, the progress of the studies is endangered or the semester cannot otherwise be completed by the students concerned. Students and lecturers can obtain details of possible changes to the timetable from their respective degree programme.

Covid-19 mass tests in Vienna until 13^th December

All persons resident in Vienna can be tested free-of-charge for a coronavirus infection until 13^th December. You will receive the result of the rapid antigen test directly on site at the respective test center. We welcome voluntary participation in a test, as it is a way of identifying individuals with asymptomatic illness and thus also increases the security for our university operations.

(16^th November 2020)
University operations at a distance

The situation is serious and we must act again in order to maintain our health system. Therefore, the FH Campus Wien will change its university operations to distance learning as of Tuesday, 17th November 2020. Hence, the corona traffic light status of FH Campus Wien is now "red".

What does "red" mean for the FH Campus Wien

The Corona traffic light status "red" means that Working From Home is the preferred working mode for all employees. All courses and exams take place via distance learning and alternative forms. At the FH Campus Wien, all events are cancelled, the cafeteria and canteen as well as the library and media library are closed. Here you can find the Corona traffic light warning system of the FH Campus Wien.

Distance Learning and alternative forms of examination

All courses and examinations currently still taking place on campus will be changed to a suitable online form. In certain cases, this may also lead to a change of examination dates or examination modes. Only courses or exams that cannot be substituted or postponed can be held in small groups (max. 15 persons) on campus in compliance with the strictest hygiene regulations. Students will receive details from their respective degree programme.

FH Campus Wien open to a limited extent only

All buildings of the FH Campus Wien are only open to a very limited extent for study and teaching activities. For all other activities or meetings as part of the course (e.g. study groups) the university is closed. Final papers can be submitted electronically. The library and media library is closed, collection of pre-ordered media is possible by appointment. Employees of the FH Campus Wien generally work from home. Therefore, please address your enquiries by phone or e-mail to the respective degree programme.

Come on in: Virtual tour of the FH Campus Wien

Explore laboratories and functional rooms from home or take a look at the high-tech operating theatre: we bring prospective students directly to the premises of the FH Campus Wien. Here you can take a virtual tour to get an impression of Austria's largest university of applied sciences.

(2^nd November 2020)
University operations remain up and running

The aim of the second lockdown is to drastically reduce new infections again so that our health system remains functional. We support the Federal Government's measures to jointly achieve this objective

FH Campus Wien remains "orange"

With the traffic light status "orange" at the FH Campus Wien and the measures already implemented, we are well prepared. Moreover, we are once again intensifying Distance Learning and Working From Home in our FH wherever it is reasonable and possible. This is in effect from Tuesday, 3^rd November until Monday, 30^th November.

Focus on distance learning, lectures on campus remain possible

Wherever possible, study and teaching activities will be converted more extensively to distance learning. All non-substitutable courses and examinations will take place on campus, subject to the mandatory code of conduct and hygiene measures as well as our four basic rules. Students and lecturers will receive information on timetable changes from their respective degree programme. Learning groups are only permitted on site in exceptional cases (e.g. if laboratory or function rooms are required).

Library and media library

The library and media library are open for borrowing and returning media. The reading room remains closed.

Cafeteria and canteen

Unfortunately, it is currently not permitted to open our cafeteria and canteen for the consumption of food. However, in order to provide our employees with food, fresh meals will be prepared for lunch and it is possible to pick up the food until further notice.

Digital information week for prospective students

From 16^th to 20^th November, we will be providing information information on the entire portfolio of degree programmes and further education programmes via online information sessions. Informative talks on admission procedures, degree programmes and career opportunities as well as the experiences of students and graduates will provide prospective students with a basis for making the right choice of studies. A 360° tour of the FH Campus Wien locations provides an authentic insight into the FH premises. Here you can find our programme and the registration.

(16^th September 2020)
Obligation to wear a facemask and traffic light warning system at the FH Campus Wien

In order to reduce the risk of infection at the University of Applied Sciences as much as possible, it is obligatory to wear a facemask on all premises of the FH Campus Wien, including the co-operative study locations. Please take a facemask with you and wear it on site as soon as you enter the building. As of Wednesday, 16th September, it is also obligatory to wear a facemask in classrooms. Students, outside courses and examinations on site, and guests are only allowed to come to the FH by appointment.

Four basic rules for common safety

Four basic rules apply at the locations and cooperative study locations of the FH Campus Wien. Please protect yourself, your contacts and our health system by adhering to the following rules:

1. Stay at home in case of illness
   Those who feel ill should always stay at home. In case of symptoms of illness that could be related to a Covid-19 disease, is not permitted to come to the FH locations, including cooperative study location of the FH Campus Wien. If you have symptoms or fear that you may be suffering from Covid-19, please stay at home and contact the Health Advice Hotline on 1450. Covid-19 quarantine obligations or illnesses must be reported to your supervisor or the head of your degree programme.
    
2. Keep your distance
   Maintain a permanent distance of at least one meter between you and another person and avoid touching (e.g. shaking hands, hugging).
    
3. Wearing a facemask
   Please bring a facemask with you and wear it on site as soon as you enter the building. A face shield does not replace a facemask and is therefore not sufficient. If the safety distance of at least one meter is maintained at all times, the facemask can be taken off while seated in the office, cafeteria or canteen. The obligation to wear a facemask also applies while seated in the classrooms or during lessons.
    
4. Wash hands regularly and observe the etiquette for coughing and sneezing
   Disinfect or wash your hands with soap (approx. 40 seconds) after entering the university and also in between. Avoid touching the face with your hands. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or into a handkerchief (and dispose of it as soon as possible in the residual waste - not in the paper waste).

Traffic light warning system at the FH Campus Wien

Thanks to the early planning of the 2020/21 winter semester and the measures already taken, we are well prepared for the implementation of the Federal Government's measures and the nationwide corona traffic light warning system. Schools and universities currently have the "yellow" traffic light warning status; Vienna, however, has the "orange" traffic light warning status. We have decided to implement additional measures at the FH Campus Wien which are oriented towards the "orange" warning status. Thus we would like to try to ensure a certain continuity in our university operations for the winter semester.

Here you find an overview of the effects the respective traffic light colour has on the university operations as well as on study and teaching activities.

(2^nd September 2020)
Winter semester 2020/21: Combination of on-site teaching and distance learning and code of conduct and hygiene measures on site

Covid-19: Code of conduct and hygiene measures remain in place

Our aim is to reduce the risk of infection at the University of Applied Sciences as much as possible, which is why we hold on to the necessary code of conduct and hygiene measures during the winter semester.

Four basic rules for common safety

Four basic rules apply at the locations and cooperative study locations of the FH Campus Wien. Please protect yourself, your contacts and our health system by adhering to the following rules:

1. Stay at home in case of illness
   Those who feel ill should always stay at home. In case of symptoms of illness that could be related to a Covid-19 disease, is not permitted to come to the FH locations, including cooperative study location of the FH Campus Wien. If you have symptoms or fear that you may be suffering from Covid-19, please stay at home and contact the Health Advice Hotline on 1450. Covid-19 quarantine obligations or illnesses must be reported to your supervisor or the head of your degree programme.
    
2. Keep your distance
   Maintain a permanent distance of at least one meter between you and another person and avoid touching (e.g. shaking hands, hugging).
    
3. Wearing a facemask
   Please take a facemask with you. We ask you to wear it where there is a possibility that the distance of one meter between the two is less than one meter. If the safety distance of at least one meter cannot be maintained permanently, it is mandatory to wear a facemask.
   Attention - new: In the cafeteria and canteen at the main location there is a permanent facemask obligation. You can take off the facemask at the table or after leaving the cafeteria or canteen.
    
4. Wash hands regularly and observe the etiquette for coughing and sneezing
   Disinfect or wash your hands with soap (approx. 40 seconds) after entering the university and also in between. Avoid touching the face with your hands. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or into a handkerchief (and dispose of it as soon as possible in the residual waste - not in the paper waste).

Combination of on-site teaching and distance learning

Due to the hygiene and social distancing guidelines, only a maximum of 40% of the courses can be held on site compared to the last winter semester. On-site teaching is focused on practical courses that are necessary for the acquisition of competences or on courses for which there is no reasonable online alternative. Students will be informed on details about the start of the course and the timetable by the respective degree programme.

Cafeteria and canteen open

From 17^th August, after the summer break (20^th July to 16^th August), the cafeteria at the main location in Favoriten will be open again to offer drinks and snacks to students, teachers and staff. From 24^th August the canteen will reopen with a limited lunchtime service. Hygiene and social distancing guidelines will also apply.

Infosessions for prospective students

Our Open House for prospective students takes place online in November. From Monday, November 16^th to Friday, November 20^th, we will provide online information about the FH Campus Wien and our degree programmes, as well as online advice on choosing the right programme.