The Student Union's updated corona guidelines for late winter 2022

The Student Union of the University of Vaasa has updated its guidelines regarding COVID-19. Guidelines include VYY’s recommendations and instructions to students and organizations regarding events during the pandemic. Events are organized according to the traffic light model. More detailed instructions will be found further down. VYY’s guidelines are made to supplement the guidelines provided by authorities and the University of Vaasa.

88.7% of the population in the Vaasa Hospital District have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, 86.1% two doses of vaccines, and 49.2% three doses of vaccine (Epidemic situation and recommendations - Ostrobothnia Welfare County). 

VYY is in a yellow phase of the traffic light model from 31.1.2022 onwards. We recommend everyone organizing or participating in events act responsibly and follow any instructions given by the authorities.

The service office is open normally and the Leipis sauna facilities are available for bookings. The sauna  facilities can be booked on our website on vyy.fi/en/for-the-curious/facilities. 

When planning future events and other activities, it is good to take into account the development of the coronavirus situation. We all have a responsibility to prevent the virus from spreading, so we encourage everyone to follow the recommendations and act responsibly. You can find more information about the recommendations in force in the Vaasa area on the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia website.

 

Traffic light model

We use a traffic light model that takes into account the ever-changing situation with the coronavirus. The model takes into account different situations in terms of event organization and other student activities. We review the situation regularly and update the guidelines as necessary. We will inform you about the color change on our website and Instagram. We recommend that everyone actively follow the development of the situation with the coronavirus epidemic and official guidelines.

 

Red time, proceed as follows:

• During the red period, there are no physical mass events at all, such as student parties, annual balls, sitz parties, and other events where you may have difficulty following safety guidelines.
• We recommend organizing remote events or other activities that do not require physical presence or contact.
• Small events that follow the restrictions, such as meetings, can be arranged where safe distances can be kept. It must also be possible to attend the event remotely. Participants should be advised to wear a mask.
• In the red period, the safety of hobbies must also be considered. Hobbies can be organized if allowed by the instructions given by the authorities.
• During the red period, we do not recommend spending time in places where following safety instructions can be challenging. For example, we recommend avoiding nightclubs. In addition, you should not organize your own shadow parties.

 

Yellow time, proceed as follows:

• Hobby activities can be arranged if the safety instructions are implemented.
• The event must have a nominated organizer, and the organizer will collect a list of names of the people attending the event.
• During the yellow time, outdoor events can be organized that comply with the restrictions on gatherings, as well as events that are open to small groups. All events must comply with applicable gathering restrictions.
• The organizer of the event must instruct the participants on the safety instructions that are to be followed at the event. The face mask is recommended for use in all public indoor areas. Students should not organize their own shadow parties.

 

Green time, proceed as follows:

• Physical mass events can be organized according to the instructions of the authorities.
• If a corona passport or a possible vaccine passport is used nationwide, the event organizer may use it as an alternative to assembly restrictions. It is the responsibility of the event organizer to familiarize themselves with the passport-related policies and guidelines.
• Safety instructions should be kept in mind and safety intervals and hygiene should be observed.

 

VYY's instructions for event participants

• Follow the current quarantine instructions and regulations. Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms or know you have been exposed to the virus.
• We recommend that you bring face masks and hand sanitizer.
• If you participate in the events, in addition to the official instructions, follow the instructions given by the event organizer. Be sure to register for the event as instructed by the organizer. Take care of the safety distances and stay in your own company or group during the event.
• Let the organizations know if you see that safety instructions are not being followed by the venue, participants, or organization. Set an example with your own actions and encourage other participants to follow the instructions throughout the event.
• Use hand sanitizer or washing facilities available at the event and take care of hand hygiene throughout the event. Use a face mask if you are in close contact with other people or do business indoors.

 

VYY's instructions for organizations

Events should be planned with safety first -mindset. Excessive alcohol consumption makes it difficult to follow safety instructions.

• The security arrangements for the event are always the responsibility of the organizer. If the organizer feels that the security arrangements cannot be implemented or significantly change the nature of the event, it is advisable not to organize the event.
• All events must comply with the safety regulations of the authorities throughout the event.
• The organizer of the event ensures that there is a possibility to wash and/or disinfect hands at the event. In addition, the organizer is responsible for ensuring that safety intervals are met throughout the event.
• A list of participants must be collected from the persons participating in the event. The list of participants must be kept for three weeks after the event and after that, the data must be deleted. The participants must be notified of the collection and use of the list of participants. Below you will find more detailed instructions on how to compile a list of participants to facilitate the tracing of infection chains.
• Adequate distances between the participants must be made possible during the event.
• If the participants in the event are in close contact with each other, the use of a mask should be recommended at the event. Whenever possible, the event organizer may provide masks to attendees to increase their use in the event.
• If the participants are divided into several groups/locations during the event, care must be taken that the participants do not interfere with each other. Events involving small groups should also be planned to keep the groups separate.
• Plan in advance how the necessary toilets will be arranged and make sure that hand sanitizer is available and that good hand hygiene is possible to maintain. In addition, it is necessary to plan how to act in the event if the safety instructions cannot be followed or exposures occur in the event.
• When organizing events, remember to consider, for example, students who are in the risk group and those who do not feel safe at physical events.
• If coronavirus infections occur after the event, contact the authorities and follow their instructions. We hope that you will report any infections and exposures to VYY's Chair of the Executive Board (sara.alasuutari@vyy.fi).
• The organizers of the event must set an example with their behavior. For example, when the safety distances and the use of face masks are done by the organizers, it is easier for the participants to act safely.

 

About the guidelines

For more information on the guidelines, please contact Oscar Mäkinen (oscar.makinen@vyy.fi), the board member responsible for events, or  Sara Alasuutari (sara.alasuutari@vyy.fi), Chair of the Executive Board.