January 24, 2022

To all students in the Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University

NAGAI Takaya
Dean, Graduate School of Science

Due to the rapid spread of infection of Covid-19 Omicron variant, Hokkaido University raised its
Business Continuity Plan (BCP) from Alert Level 1 (Restriction-Low) to Alert Level 2 (Restriction-
Medium) on January 24.

https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/university-life/health-and-wellness/covid-19-health-alerts-and-advisories/

However, due to the rapid increase in the number of patients in the Graduate School of Science,
the following measures equivalent to “Level 3 (Restriction-High)” will be taken for the time being.
As many of you are at this time of year working diligently on your Master’s and PhD theses, we
ask for your understanding that we are trying our best to prevent any further spreading of
infection in the Graduate School of Science.

1. Traveling and Outings

• In order to reduce the risk of infection during travel, please refrain from unnecessary
  traveling and outings, whether near or far. If it is necessary to travel outside of Hokkaido for
  job hunting, etc., please do so with the utmost care to prevent infection. Please make sure
  to inform your supervisor of your purpose, destination, and duration of your trip.

2. Visiting Campus

• Please refrain from non-essential and non-urgent visits to the campus. You are not allowed to use the Science Buildings except for the purpose of attending classes and research activities.
• Please pay close attention to your health conditions, and if you have cold-like symptoms
  such as a fever, please do not come to campus.
• Buildings #2 and #5 in the School of Science will continue to be locked and the other buildings are open. When you need to enter building #2 or #5, please unlock the doors with your student ID card.
• Please be sure to wear a mask all the time while you are in the buildings, wash your hands,
  disinfect your hands and fingers, and observe coughing manners on the premises.
• Please keep your stay in the Science Buildings to a minimum.
• When eating out, keep it to a short period of time, refrain from heavy drinking, shouting, or
  making loud voices, and keep your masks on while talking (conducting Mokusyoku, silent
  eating).

3. Classes  under the BCP Alert Level 3

• Classes (lectures, exercises, experiments, and practical training) will be conducted in
  principle online. Participating in online classes using on-campus Wi-Fi is prohibited as a rule.
  The School of Science loans Mobile Wi-Fi Routers and tablets to students who do not have
  internet access at home. If you are applicable, please contact the Academic Affairs Section
  (rkyo1(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp) for details.
• Exercises, practical training, and experiments may be conducted on a face-to-face basis, if it
  is essential and sufficient measures are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Please
  follow the instruction by your instructors.
• The notices of classes, study and campus life will be posted on ELMS, so please check them
  regularly.
  　ELMS　https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/gakusei/instruction-info/elms/

4. About Research Activities

• As a general principle, all students, except those who are graduating at the end of this
  semester, are expected to work from home and to refrain from research activities that
  involves traveling (e.g. field work), as much as possible. However, if the research activity is
  truly necessary, please consult with your supervisor and then carry out the research by
  mutual consent of both parties. Research in the laboratory should be carried out under the
  supervision of the supervisor, with a minimum number of staff necessary and with the highest attention to prevent the spread of infection (e.g., keeping the stay in the laboratory
  as short as possible).

5. Inquiries about Study and Campus Life

• The Academic Affairs Division in the Graduate School of Science is closed at Level 3 as a rule.
  If you have any questions about study or procedures, please contact the Graduate School
  Educational Affairs Section by email (r-gakuin(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp).

6. Mental Care Office

• The Faculty of Science has a Mental Care Office. Currently, it only offers e-mail or telephone consultations. However, when a clinical psychologist counselor considers the case as necessary, in-person consultation may be possible with infection prevention measures in place. If you have any concerns and/or anxiety, please feel free to e-mail (nayami(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp) or call for consultation.
  For more information, please visit: https://www2.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/faculty/counseling.

7. Contact information in case you are diagnosed with COVID-19

• If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are suspected of being infected, or if you have been designated as a close contact, you must call the number below (Do not come to the University).
  Weekdays 8:30-17:00
  Graduate School Educational Affairs Section 011-706-3675
• If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 at night, on the weekend or holiday, call the Disaster Prevention Center of the School of Science immediately. The administration office will call you back to ask about your situation.
  Weekdays from 5:00 p.m. – / Weekends and holidays all day,
  Disaster Prevention Center of the School of Science 011-706-2660