Message from the Dean of the Graduate School of Science: Preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) 【September 11】

Sep. 11, 2020

September 11, 2020

To students in the Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University

Hiroshi Amitsuka
Dean, Graduate School of Science

I would like to thank all the students for their cooperation to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection.

At the start of the second semester, the Graduate School of Science has decided on the following action guidelines. However, this policy is based on the current BCP level 1. It will be revised if the BCP level changes in the future.

1. Movements

  • Movements between prefectures remains unrestricted. Those who have to travel for business or job hunting are requested to take infection prevention measures carefully. Please be sure to tell your supervisor about the destination and period.
  • Classes in the second semester will be conducted through a combination of face-to-face and online classes. Students are required to return to the area around the university so that you can easily come to the school.

2. Visiting Hokkaido University

  • Visiting the university should be kept to the minimum necessary.
  • Some science buildings (Bldg. 2 and 5) remain closed all day due to the Museum entrance restriction. Other buildings are open during the daytime. When you need to enter the Bldg. 2 and 5, please use your student ID card to unlock the doors.
  • Wear a face mask in the buildings.
  • If you have a symptom of a cold such as a fever, do not come to the university and contact your supervisor. Also, even if the fever goes down, do not come to the university immediately. Keep an eye on your condition for a few days.
  • We encourage the use of COVID-19 Contact App (COCOA), a smartphone app available in Japanese, Chinese, and English.

3. Classes for the second semester

  • Classes in the second semester will be conducted through a combination of face-to-face and online classes. Please follow the instructions of your department, your course, and the class instructor.
  • To avoid high-risk settings with 3Cs, the classrooms will not be open for the purpose of using Wi-Fi.
  • Students are requested to visit the following sites regularly for the information on classes.
    https://www.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/jimu_renraku/

4. Research Activities

  • With the permission from your supervisor, you may conduct research activities while taking all possible measures to prevent infection. Please avoid closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings, and work in a lab for the shortest time possible.
  • When conducting researches in the field, obtaining supervisor’s permission is required. Please avoid close contact with people and take all possible measures to prevent infection.

5. Questions about Study and University Life

  • If you have any questions about your studies or administration procedures, please contact the Graduate School Educational Affairs Section by email (r-gakuin(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp)/
  • When you visit the Graduate School Educational Affairs Section, please observe the office’s infection prevention rules.

6．Student Counseling Office

  • The Faculty of Science has a Student Counseling Office. Consultation is currently available by email or telephone. A clinical psychology counselor is there to help with any concerns you may have. If you have any concerns, please make an appointment by email （nayami(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp）in advance. It also offers consultation by email only. For more information, please visit
    https://www2.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/faculty/counseling

7．Contact information when you feel sick

  • If you fall into the following case, please report to the Graduate School Educational Affairs Section. (Do not come to the university)
    -You are not feeling well.
    -You are suspected of being infected.
    -You have been diagnosed with new coronavirus infection.
    -You have been designated as a close contact.
    Weekdays 8:30-17:00
    Graduate School Educational Affairs Section 011-706-3675
  • If you are diagnosed with the new coronavirus infection at night, on weekends, or holidays, please contact the Disaster Prevention Center of the School of Science immediately. The administration office will contact you to ask about the situation.
    Weekdays 17:00- / Weekends and holidays 24 hours
    Disaster Prevention Center of the School of Science 011-706-2660

From the second semester, the population density in the buildings on campus is expected to increase as face-to-face classes will be conducted at the School of Science and others. Each of us should be more careful to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Please continue to take prevention action. Thank you for your continuous cooperation.