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Mayor calls on students to remain vigilant

"Now that we have seen the number of infections rise again, we cannot relax"

01 August 2020

Recently, the number of COVID-19 infections in Rotterdam has risen sharply, especially amongst students. ‘It is worrying’, say Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam and Ron Bormans, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.

That is why they indicate in an e-mail today to all students of RUAS to remain vigilant and alert. "The measures we had to take were no fun. Nevertheless, they caused the number of infections to go down for a long time. Just now that we have seen the number of infections rise again, we cannot relax on them.

Students from other Rotterdam educational institutions also receive a similar message. Read the e-mail message to the students of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences below:

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Dear student,

In recent days, the number of COVID-19 infections in Rotterdam has risen sharply. It is precisely among students that we see a remarkable increase.

Follow the rules: for yourself and for others

COVID-19 is a serious virus. Young people can also become seriously ill and suffer serious long-term consequences from infection. Several students have been tested positively in recent weeks.

We understand very well that you, just like us, look forward to the holidays and want to make the most of it. Especially after the hard months we have behind us. But health is paramount. And the virus is still amongst us. That is why we must all comply with the guidelines of the national health institute RIVM, in order to combat this virus. We must do everything we can to stop the virus from spreading. For yourself, but also for others.

In the last few days, it appears that some of you just bend the rules around COVID-19. This makes the work of the GGD Health Service more difficult and makes it even easier to spread the virus. That cannot be the intention, of course.

That's why we urge you to follow the rules:

  • Avoid busy places like cafes and don't sit close together
  • Keep 1.5 meters away – indoors and outdoors
  • Stay at home with mild complaints and get yourself tested by the GGD Health Service take this very seriously!
  • Tested positive? Then follow the quarantine regulations!
  • Participate in the source and contact survey of the GGD Health Service

Campaign especially for students

Last week I have spoken to the chairmen of the student associations. Together we are creating a campaign to make you aware of the dangers of the coronavirus. The campaign will be live from next Tuesday. Take the message seriously and speak to each other about everyone’s responsibility. Only together will we get this virus under control!

Keep up!

The COVID-19 regulations are not fun. Yet, they ensured that the number of infections decreased over time. We must not lose the reins, especially when we see the increase in the number of infections.

Keep up, we count on you!

Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam
Ron Bormans, Chairman of the Executive Board Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences