COVID-19 requirements

Please be aware, that IPDET has requirements for participation in the On-Site program in Bern due to the existing COVID-19 situation (last amended on January 23, 2023):

There are currently no requirements

Please make also sure to check our visa and travel information here.

Protection concept of IPDET for the On-Site program carried out at the University of Bern under COVID-19 conditions (last amended on January 23, 2023)

This protection concept defines the requirements for the implementation of the IPDET On-Site program in the facilities of the University of Bern from July 9 to 21, 2023.

Face-to-face courses will take place without any official requirements. We expect that the measures specified in this protection concept will be complied with.

1. Duty to Inform

Participants and instructors are to be informed about the valid protection concept of IPDET for the On-Site program, the rules of conduct and hygiene before and during the program.

2. COVID Vaccination Certificate obligation

For the IPDET-Program there is no obligation about certificate proving the vaccination status of the individual participant.

3. Hygiene

a. At the University of Bern, wearing masks indoors is voluntary. Instructors do not have to wear masks during their course. Hygiene masks are regarded as medical products and carry the CE mark.

b. The IPDET Facility Management Office will provide hand sanitizers and sufficient waste bins. The Facility Management Office is responsible for the regular cleaning of surfaces, banisters, vending machines, restroom infrastructure and washbasins in the rooms and facilities of the program venue.

c. The teaching rooms must be ventilated regularly (every 30-45 minutes) and extensively.

d. Catering will be offered by the University`s official catering provider. The regulations and protection concepts of the catering provider apply. Refreshments during breaks will be offered in the in the lobby of UniS-building.

e. Everybody is obliged to follow the hygiene rules: wash or sanitize your hands properly (Wet your hands, apply soap, and rub them together until you get a lather. Rinse thoroughly with running water and dry with a clean towel, if possible, a disposable paper towel or a cloth roller towel. If it is not possible to wash your hands, hand sanitizers are a good alternative for rendering viruses harmless. They are particularly useful when you’re out and about, for example on the bus or train, or when shopping).

Avoid shaking hands (Depending on what you have just touched, your hands are not clean. Infectious droplets can get onto your hands. They can then infect you if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.). Meet outside rather than inside where possible.

Cough and sneeze into a paper tissue or the crook of your arm (You can spread viruses by blowing your nose, sneezing, spitting and coughing, so please follow the social distancing rules to reduce or avoid the risk of transmission can all spread viruses if you don’t follow the rules.).

If you experience symptoms, stay in your student’s lodge room or hotel room until you are without symptoms.
Visitors have no medical coverage in Switzerland. IPDET will not bear any costs for medical matters. You must have your own adequate coverage for medical emergencies while attending the program. Please check with your insurance provider or purchase a medical travel insurance before you depart to Switzerland. Your medical coverage should meet the following criteria: validity during the visit to Switzerland and amount insured at least 20000 CHF.

4. Measures to exclude persons who show symptoms and/or who are infected (quarantine and isolation)

a. Persons who show COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with infected persons are excluded from the face-to-face courses immediately.

b. Persons who show COVID-19 symptoms must have to do a PCR test immediately and must stay in their student’s lodge room or hotel room until the PCR result is valid. If you receive a positive test result self-isolate immediately and avoid all contact with other people. You can come out of isolation if at least 5 days have passed, and you have had no more symptoms for the last 48 hours. An exception applies if the only symptoms you have are continued loss of sense of smell or taste or a slight cough. These symptoms can take longer to fully disappear. This means you can come out of isolation if you have these symptoms alone.

c. Visitors have no medical coverage in Switzerland. IPDET will not bear any costs for medical matters. You must have your own adequate coverage for medical emergencies while attending the program. Please check with your insurance provider or purchase a medical travel insurance before you depart to Switzerland. Your medical coverage should meet the following criteria: validity during the visit to Switzerland / amount insured at least 20000 CHF (also in the case of a COVID-19 disease) / cover for accommodation costs in case of necessary quarantine).

5. Tracking participants

Attendance lists must be kept for all courses. These will be destroyed one month after the course has taken place. Participants, instructors, and facilitators must inform the IPDET office about a covid illness within the first 10 days after departure from Bern.