After two years of dealing with Covid-19 we come to the point where The Netherlands is going to open up again. Not all at once, but in 3 stages because the numbers of Covid infected people are still very high. Here, you can read general information applicable outside of the KABK.

Step 1 – effective immediately

For staff members: The advice on working from home as much as possible is changed to a recommendation to work no more than half the time at the office.

Step 2 – from 18 February onwards

The recommended period of self-isolation after a positive test result will be shortened to 5 days, but you must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before you stop self-isolating.

Step 3 – from 25 February onwards

The following requirements will be lifted: keep 1,5m distance and wear a face mask. Until then, please keep distance and wear facemask in the KABK-building

Moving on together: recommendations for everyone:

The virus is still among us. We need to stay vigilant and help each other to avoid infecting others. It's advisable for everyone to keep following the recommendations that have proven effective in limiting the spreading of the virus:

• Keep 1,5m distance when possible (this is now an advice and not a rule anymore)
• When no distance is possible, wear a face mask (this is now an advice and not a rule anymore).
  In workshops face masks can be required when no distance is possible.
• Please respect eachothers wishes by keeping 1,5m distance or by wearing a face mask.
• Selftesting remains important. Selftests are available at the rental. If the rental is closed you can get them at the reception.

Absence and temporary unavailability

• As a result of the number of infections we are experiencing many absentees. Be aware that people and places might not be available when you need them.
• Students who got infected are still required to report this asap to their study-department.

Vaccinations and booster

Considering a first or second vaccination? You can get a vaccination without making an appointment. Please check www.prikkenzonderafspraak.rijksoverheid.nl for a location near you. Would you like a booster vaccination? You can make an appointment via www.coronavaccinatie-afspraak.nl.

Keep safe, keep happy!

The press conference on Tuesday 25 January had some very good news. After many weeks of closure, the
restaurants, museums and theatre's are opening up again until 10 pm. Meanwhile, there is still a large number of infected people and an increase of infections is expected. The next press conference from the government will be in three weeks.

Since the full re-opening of our education on 17 January, the number of infected people at the KABK
is also rising. Therefore, we have to remain very careful.

Face masks

Wearing face masks in the building remains mandatory. Medical face masks are available at the reception and at the main entrance. Only when you are seated and can maintain a distance of 1.5 m from each other is it permitted to take off your face mask.

Vaccinations and booster

Considering a first or second vaccination? You can get a vaccination without making an appointment. Please check www.prikkenzonderafspraak.rijksoverheid.nl for a location near you. Would you like a booster vaccination? You can make an appointment via www.coronavaccinatie-afspraak.nl.

Selftests

Self testing is important, at least twice a week. Self tests are temporarily available at the reception.

1-Day trips

The museums and other cultural spaces opened again, which is fantastic! 1 Day trips in The Netherlands are possible.

Please adhere to the current regulations.
Keep safe, keep healthy!

Good news: live education at the KABK from 17th January 2022

From next week Monday 17 January, the KABK will enable live education again.

We have this privileged position due to our exception of being an art academy and offering ‘practice based education’. For now, this is only possible under one extra condition; wearing a face mask at all times.

There will be a press conference this Friday, 14 January. If the government announces in that press conference less conditions are needed to re-open, we will adjust our conditions accordingly. We will inform you about this on Saturday 15 January.

Please find below the other conditions for enabling education at the KABK from 17 January onwards and to minimise the possibility of infections.

Shared responsibility
We are all responsible to contribute to a safe work and study environment. These regulations do test our self-discipline, but are essential to continue our live educational activities. We count on everyone’s cooperation. The KABK will monitor the situation on a daily basis to provide and maintain a safe environment.

Face masks

• You need to wear a face mask at all times at the academy. So also while having or giving education, working in studio’s, workshops, offices and being in the canteen.
• You are strongly advised to wear a medical face mask (the blue ones) for optimal protection, and not a fabric face mask.
• Medical face masks are available for everyone at the entrance of the academy.
• Your face mask has to cover your nose, mouth and chin.

Follow the basic rules

• Self test twice a week. You can get a self-test at Rental at the KABK or order them for free online.
• Stay at home when you have symptoms or not feel well.
• Wash your hands regularly. Hand sanitation will be available throughout the building.
• Keep as much as possible 1,5 meter distance.
• Report a (possible) infection to your department (students) or to HR (staff), so that they can inform your contacts and take appropriate measures.
• For staff: Work as much as possible from home. Individual agreements to work at the academy can be made with the head of your department.
• For Students: if a theory class can be given online, it will be scheduled online. Please follow the online classes at home if possible.

Spaces

• There is a maximum number of people allowed in each space, the numbers are mentioned above the entrance of the space.
• The workshops will be open for small groups; reservations have to be made in Asimut or check TEAMS.
• To avoid congestion its not possible to work in the corridors . The only exception is the workspace at the Photography department on the first floor.
• The canteen will be open, but with a more spacious layout. You can also make use of the tent in the courtyard during lunchtime.
• Drinking and eating can only take place when seated.
• After drinking and eating please wear your face mask again.

For the preparatory year and other prep-courses (primary and secondary education) we follow the government’s advice: Children, school and COVID-19 | RIVM.

Take care, stay safe and let’s continue live education!
Fenna Hup, deputy director of Education KABK

The Netherlands remains in lockdown

On Monday evening, January 3, 2022, the Dutch government informed us that the lockdown will remain until at least their next update on 14 January.

The age group 18-30 year is the group with most infections at this moment and that is the reason why the Universities of Higher Education have to remain closed as from 10 January and are only open for examinations. The option to get a vaccination by the GGD is still available.

For KABK, this means:

As announced in our previous update on 19 December 2021:

• the academy will be closed during the week of 10 January, except for Collective Assessments.
• the workshops will be closed, unless for work related to the Collective Assessments.
• Other activities have to be carried out online; if that's impossible they will have to be postponed.

An update on 12 January will provide further information on how education will continue at the academy from 17 January.

The Netherlands in lockdown

The rapid spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 must be slowed down to keep healthcare accessible to everyone. That is why The Netherlands has gone in lockdown from Sunday 19 December until at least Friday 14 January 2022. To have a clear idea about the measures that are applicable, read the information on the website of the Dutch government.

What does this mean for the KABK

As we are higher education based on practice we have the opportunity to continue to remain open. However, due to the severity of the current situation we have decided to only continue a number of specific activities. These are mentioned below. The academy will have regular opening hours before the Winter break.

• Until the Christmas holidays (Friday 24 December, 15.00h)
  • The academy will be open for collective assessments. The regular safety guidelines should be observed at all times.
  • On top of that you are obliged to keep 1,5 metres distance and wear a face mask at all times.
  • You are strongly requested to do a selftest before taking part in the collective assessment. You can get your free selftest from the Rental.
  • Facilities & Workshops:
    
    • The workshops will remain open for those preparing work for collectives.
    • The Student administration desk is open.
    • The Academy Shop will be open for click and collect.
    • The Rental is open, also for collecting self tests during the regular opening hours.
    • The canteen will remain open for take away only.
  • If you want to take your projects home after the collective assessments please do it straight away after the assessment.
  • All other BA and MA education will be – where possible - online.
  • There will not be any physical education at the academy.
• From 10 January until 15 January
  • The same regulations as in the week before the Christmas break are applicable also in the week from 10 to 15 January.
• From 17 January
  • Our intention is to have physical education again as before the lockdown but we are dependant on the COVID-19 developments nationwide.

Teachers and Staff
It is advisable to work from home but if you have strong reasons to come to the academy please contact your manager in advance.

Travel
Several international students and teachers will travel during the holidays. Please check the travel restrictions for the country you travel to before you leave and upon return to the Netherlands. Please check if your health insurance covers the cost in case you need medical care. There might be a quarantine needed on returning to the Netherlands, which could interfere with your education or assessments planned after the Christmas break. From Wednesday 22 December 2021 there will be constraint measures for students from outside Europe.

Please check regularly the latest updates through Travelling to the Netherlands from abroad | Coronavirus COVID-19 | Government.nl

Stay updated
Additional information on the COVID-19 regulations which are affecting KABK's education, will be shared with you as soon as possible. So please check your inbox during the holiday break.

The government has announced another press conference on 3 January 2022. We will send out a KABK news update on 4 January.

Yesterday’s press conference informed us that the number of Covid-19 infections is still very high, and many people are admitted to hospital. Additionally, there are many worries about the spread of the Omicron variant. For these reasons, the Dutch government decided to prolong the measures introduced on 28 November, until at least Friday 14 January 2022.

Read the full news update from the press conference on the website of the Dutch government.

What does this mean for the KABK

The new measures do not affect the measures currently in place at KABK. However, this may change if the Omicron variant requires more stringent measures. We will let you know as soon as possible if anything changes for us. Our goal is to continue to provide physical education and we are counting on everyone in our community to respect the additional measures in place inside and outside of KABK.

Booster vaccination
The Dutch government aims to have booster vaccinations offered to everyone 18 years of age and older by the second half of January. This also counts for students from the KABK. If you need to do a test or want a vaccination, you can make an appointment via Coronatest.nl. Keep an eye on this page to see when your age group is invited for the booster vaccination.

Christmas holidays
Several international students and teachers will travel during the holidays. Please check the travel restrictions for the country you travel to before you leave and upon return to the Netherlands. There might be a quarantine needed which could interfere with your education or assessments planned after the Christmas break. Please check regularly the latest updates through this link: Travelling to the Netherlands from abroad | Coronavirus COVID-19 | Government.nl  

Open Day 22 January 2022
In line with the current Covid-19 situation the Open Day will be held exclusively online on Saturday 22 January. Once circumstances allow us, we will organise physical events in the academy building. You can sign up for the Open Day here.

Evening lockdown in the Netherlands
As the COVID-19 infections keep rising and the intensive healthcare is under great pressure the Dutch government presented extra restrictions in order to reduce the number of infections during the press conference of November 26th.

The aim of the Dutch government is to emphasise the importance of reducing the number of infections by applying the rules to enable the continuation of daily life (school, work etc) as much as possible. 

The new/renewed measures entered into force at 05.00 on Sunday 28 November and apply until at least Sunday 19 December. The government will reassess the situation on Tuesday 14 December. You can find the new Corona measures announced by the Dutch government here.

The full overview with measures related to the KABK can be found on the KABK-portal.

Measures and urgent advice (also if you have been vaccinated)

• Any symptoms? Stay home and get tested immediately.
• If you are tested positive and have to go into quarantine also your house members have to stay in quarantine.
• Continue self-testing twice a week. You can get self-tests for free at the rental. 
• Keep 1.5 metres distance. 
• Wash your hands often. 
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow. 
• Do not shake hands. 
• Make sure there is enough fresh air in the room. 

Working from home

Work as much from home as possible. The people who need to be at the academy for their job have permission to work at the academy. Make clear agreements with your team and head about this.

Vaccination and self testing

The Dutch government is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. The usage of a QR-code for those with a vaccin is increasingly becoming the standard. This is not yet the case in higher education, so not in the KABK, however this can be a future requirement.

• Students, teachers, and other staff should do a self-test at least twice a week, and even every day when working or studying with larger groups, such as projects and certain group classes. Tests are available at the rental.

• It is still possible to get vaccinated without appointment. Check the locations at  prikkenzonderafspraak.rijksoverheid.nl/en. 

Christmas holidays

Several international students and teachers will travel to their home countries around the holidays. Please check the travel restrictions to your home country before you leave and also when you return to the Netherlands. There might be a quarantine needed which could interfere with your education or assessments planned after the Christmas holidays.
Travelling to the Netherlands from abroad | Coronavirus COVID-19 | Government.nl

As the COVID-19 infections keep rising, the Dutch government presented a few important changes on the press conference of November 12th. These measures include restrictions in cafes and restaurants and expansion of the use of the QR-code. The measures entered into force on Saturday November 13 and last until Saturday 4 December.

On Friday, 3 December, the Dutch government will reassess the situation and announce if further measures are necessary.

It is important we all understand how important it is to keep complying to the basic rules to be able to continue offline education. Keep in mind that your individual decisions can affect others too.

The basic measures and advice which apply even if you have been vaccinated, are:

• Any symptoms? Stay home and get tested immediately.
• Continue self-testing twice a week. You can get them for free at the rental.
• Keep 1.5 metres distance.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Do not shake hands.
• Make sure there is enough fresh air in the room.
• When walking through the building you must wear a face mask, if you sit down, you can take your mask off.
• Please respect the 1,5-meter distancing. If you cannot keep the 1,5m distance in the workshops you are obliged to wear a face mask.

Education

• Offline classes will continue as planned.
• Online classes or activities that are planned online will also remain online for the time being.
• There is a max. of 75 people allowed in the Auditorium.

Working from home

• Work as much from home as possible. The people who need to be at the academy for their job have permission to work at the academy. Make clear agreements with your team and head about this.

Vaccination

It is still possible to get vaccinated without appointment via the website prikkenzonderafspraak.rijksoverheid.nl/en.

More information and FAQ’s for students and staff is published on the KABK portal.

Subsequently to the government press conference of November 2nd there are a few important changes in our Covid-19 regulations which will commence on Saturday November 6, 2021.

Face masks and 1,5m distancing

• When walking through the building you must wear a face mask, if you sit down, you can take your mask off.
• Please respect the 1,5-meter distancing. If you cannot keep the 1,5m distance in the workshops you are obliged to wear a face mask.

Working from home

• If your work does not require you to be at the academy you are kindly requested to work 50% from home again. Please discuss the details with your department manager.

The following measures and advice remain in effect:

• Basic hygiene and health measures remain in place (e.g. washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, staying at home in case of symptoms, getting yourself tested and complying with the quarantine regulations).
• Advice to do a self-test twice per week; You can pick up free self-tests at the rental, or you can order free self-tests via zelftestonderwijs.nl.
• Make sure the spaces are well ventilated; please open a window where possible.
• You can consider getting a vaccination if you have not done so yet. For further information see: get vaccinated without an appointment. Every Monday and Thursday you can get vaccinated without an appointment at the municipality. Find all locations in The Hague on the website of the GGD. More information about Covid-19 and vaccines can be found at the website of the Dutch government.

Find more information and FAQ’s for students and staff published on the KABK portal.

The Dutch government has taken further steps to ease the COVID-19 measures for higher education.

The lifted measures, which will take effect on 25 September, consist of:

• Dropping the group size limit of 75 students (applies to all activities within the academy building)
• Wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory in the academy (with the exception of the workshops until 5 November)*

The following measures, however, remain in effect:

• Basic hygiene and health measures remain in place (e.g. washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, staying at home in case of symptoms, getting yourself tested and complying with the quarantine regulations).
• Advice to do a self-test twice per week; You can pick up free self-tests at the rental, or you can order free self-tests via zelftestonderwijs.nl.
• Make sure the spaces are well ventilated; please open a window where possible.
• Respect others who want to wear face masks and/or maintain 1,5m distance.
• * Workshops: The current measures that apply in the workshops will remain in force during the 1^st block of this semester (the 1^st block ends on Friday 5 November): If you can keep 1.5 meters distance from others, a face mask is not mandatory. If this is not possible, you must wear a face mask. You must also register in advance for all workshops.
  
• Working from home advice for staff: Continue with working from home and come to the academy only when necessary. Make arrangements about this with the head of your department to arrange who works where and when.

Since the start of the academic year, the number of infections in the academy remained luckily very low; let us all aim for keeping it low. Find relevant FAQ’s on the KABK portal.

You have not been vaccinated yet, but would like to do so?

In addition to Inholland University of Applied Sciences, The Hague University of Applied Science has now also set up a vaccination centre in collaboration with the GGD, at the following address: Johanna Westerdijkplein 75.

On Tuesday 14 and 21 September, students and staff of KABK can drop by without appointment (and without a BSN number) between 10.00-16.00 at Johanna Westerdijkplein 75.
Do not forget to bring your ID and face mask!

More vaccination options

Together with the GGD, Inholland University of Applied Sciences has set up a vaccination station in their restaurant at Theresiastraat 8. And here is the good news: it's also open to non-Inholland students and staff. So you are welcome to come and get vaccinated!

It's a free walk-in, so you do not have to make an appointment and you do not need a BSN number, but you do need a student ID card. Both Janssen and Pfizer vaccines will be available.

The dates and times are as follows:
Monday 6 September 10.00 - 16.00 hrs
Thursday 9 September 10.00 - 16.00 hrs

Location: Theresiastraat 8, The Hague (approx 25min walk from KABK)

If you are not able to go on one of these dates, you still have the option to make an appointment via www.planjeprik.nl or get vaccinated without an appointment at a number of GGD locations, which you can find on www.prikkenzonderafspraak.nl. Please note that you will need a BSN number for vaccination for these options (you will receive this when you register with the municipality).

Start of the new academic year

Following the press conference on the Covid-19 situation held by demissionary Prime Minister Rutte on 13 August, we would like to give you the following update.

1.5m distance
From Monday 30 August, the 1.5m distance for universities of applied sciences will be lifted. This means that no 1,5m distance needs to be kept within the academy, except for the workshops where it’s not possible to keep the 1,5m distance. This applies to both students, teachers, and staff. Remember to keep the 1.5 metres distance outside the academy.

In order to responsibly release the 1.5m distance as of 30 August, the following Covid-19 measures are set by the Dutch government:

• Wearing a face mask is mandatory
  • when walking through the building,
  • when 1,5m distance cannot be kept in the workshops.
• Urgent advice to take a self-test at least twice a week before coming to the academy. You can order FREE self-tests via https://www.zelftestonderwijs.nl.
• Disinfect your hands regularly and sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Ventilation is very important; open a window where possible.
• Stay home if you have symptoms -- regardless of whether you have been vaccinated -- and get tested. Do not come to the academy.
• Working from home advice for staff: We follow the national advice for home working from the Dutch government, please contact your head of the department to arrange who works where and when.

In addition, the academy has drawn up a certain set of measures:

• Do you live within 8km of the academy? Then come by bike to minimise the burden on public transport.
• The workshops are an exception within the building: If you can keep 1.5 meters distance from others, a face mask is not mandatory. If this is not possible, you must wear a face mask. You must also register in advance for all workshops.
• Two hostesses will be present at the main entrance to inform you about the above-mentioned rules, they will also walk around in the building to observe the measures.

Schedules
Of course we are very happy about the dismissal of the 1,5 m distance, which means that we can have more people in our building. But we do need time to adjust all schedules to this. We will scale up the timetables in phases. For now, we will start with 50% online and 50% offline classes as already planned in your schedule. As soon as this changes, you will be informed by your own department.

Vaccination
Haven't been able to get vaccinated yet? Make an appointment via www.planjeprik.nl or get vaccinated without an appointment at a number of GGD locations that can be found on www.prikkenzonderafspraak.nl.

Please note that you need a BSN number for vaccination (you will receive this when registering with the municipality)

Please stick to the Covid-19 measures and keep looking out for each other.

Travel advice and next update in mid-August

Travelling abroad:
The increased infection rate in the Netherlands could have consequences for travelling abroad. Other countries may impose extra measures on Dutch tourists because they view the Netherlands’ increased infection rate as a cause for concern.

Each country can set its own requirements, so you should always check the latest travel advice before you leave on www.wijsopreis.nl (available in Dutch only). Don't just look at the color coding of your destination: read the travel advice in full.

Travelling to The Netherlands from abroad:
Read this checklist for entering or returning to The Netherlands from abroad and do the Quarantine Travel Check.

On this website by the Dutch Government, you will find all relevant information about the mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Netherlands.

Basic rules for everyone are important at all times
It is important that everyone sticks to the basic rules. Even those who have already been vaccinated.

• Keep 1.5 meters distance from other people.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Don’t shake hands with others.
• If you have symptoms, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible.

Wearing a facemask is mandatory at the KABK

There were no new measures announced at today's press conference that would jeopardise the running of the Graduation Show. Nevertheless, the sharp increase in infections is alarming.

Due to the strong increase in infections and because it is difficult to keep a safe distance in many places, wearing a facemask is mandatory at the KABK from tomorrow, 10 July.

From 26 June, the Dutch government sets the Step 4 of the reopening plan | Coronavirus COVID-19 in action.

For the KABK this means:

• The 1.5-metre distancing rule remains the norm everywhere.
• The basic hygiene rules remain important. Wash your hands regularly. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. In case of symptoms stay at home and get tested.
• The requirement to wear a face mask will no longer apply unless the 1.5-metre distancing can not be kept.

Information for KABK students, teachers, and staff can be found on the KABK Portal.

Coronavirus self-tests

The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science is providing self-tests to encourage students and staff of educational institutions to test themselves for the Coronavirus.

Information for KABK students, teachers, and staff on how to obtain a self-test can be found on the KABK Portal.

Curfew lifted

The curfew will be lifted at 4:30 on 28 April 2021.
We are happy to announce that the Academy will resume its regular opening hours from Wednesday 28 April.

Curfew extended and as of 31 March, the curfew will start one hour later, at 22.00 instead of at 21.00.

The night-time curfew applies throughout the Netherlands and means that you must stay inside from 22.00 to 04.30. For more information about the curfew and other corona measures, please consult the government website: https://www.government.nl

For us, this means that the building will be closed at 20.30 as of April 6. In order for everyone to be able to be home before 22.00. Most workshops will close at 20.00 but there will be exceptions. You can find a link to the actual opening hours of each workshop via the KABK-portal and at each workshop entrance.
Please note that classes scheduled after 20.30 cannot take place in the building, or at external locations. Your department will inform you of any changes to your timetable.

Curfew extended to Wednesday 31 March

For the academy this means that we will close the building at 19.30 hrs.
The measures announced in our previous updates regarding the curfew are still valid.

As soon as the curfew is lifted nationwide, we will resume our regular opening hours.

Curfew extended to Monday 15 March

The Dutch government has decided to extend the curfew until Monday 15 March. The curfew means that it is not allowed to be outside between 21:00 and 4:30. For more information about the curfew, please consult the government website www.rijksoverheid.nl (English version: www.government.nl).

The number of corona infections is increasing again nationwide. From the point of view of staff and student safety, we are therefore not making use of the government's exception regarding the curfew for practical education. The academy building will close at 19.30 hrs during week days. As soon as the curfew is lifted nationwide, we will resume our regular opening hours.

Curfew extended to Wednesday 3 March (Dutch government website).

For the academy this means that we will close the building at 19.30 hrs.
The measures announced in our update of 21 January 2021 are still valid.

Today, the Dutch government announced that a curfew will be imposed from Saturday 23 January until at least Tuesday 9 February. The curfew means that it is not allowed to be outside the house between 21.00 and 4.30. For more information about the curfew, please consult the government website www.rijksoverheid.nl

For the academy this means that we will close the building at 19.30 hrs. That way, everyone can be home before 21.00 hrs. If you need more time to get home, you should leave the academy earlier.

Most workshops will close at 19.00 hrs but there will be exceptions. You can find the opening hours per workshop on the KABK-portal and also at each workshop entrance. Education scheduled after 19.30 hrs cannot take place in the building (or other temporarily hired locations). Your department will inform you of any changes to the timetable.

Have you been abroad? Please pay attention to the corona rules:

1. A negative PCR-test declaration is as of now mandatory for all international air travel to the Netherlands.
2. Self-quarantine for a period of 10 days is strongly advised by the Dutch government. As an Academy we take this very seriously and require this. So stay at home for 10 days if you have been abroad!

The negative test required for boarding is not a substitute or self-quarantining on arrival.

So, protect yourself, your fellow students, teachers and staff of the KABK.

More information? Check the website of the Dutch Government

Yesterday evening, the government announced that the Netherlands will go into lockdown until at least Tuesday 19 January 2021. Exceptions have been formulated. Practical education and on-site assessments and examinations are among these exceptions.

Art education is practical education, and we will therefore remain open.

This means that we do not have to make any further adjustments to the education, we will continue with the timetables based on a maximum of 50% of the students in the building. Assessments and exams can also continue in the building. Of course, taking into account the 1 ½ meter distance - even when wearing a face mask- and the maximum number of people indicated at the door of the education room.

The workshops and rental remain open (with the exception of the Christmas holidays).

There is a change in force for the use of the library. Please book by telephone or online. The books can be picked up and returned to the library.

The canteen remains open (with the exception of the Christmas holidays).

Supporting staff will work at home as much as possible. Consult with your supervisor if you have reasons to prefer to work at the academy.

Travel to and from the academy by staff, lecturers and students is considered a necessary journey and is therefore permitted. Within a radius of 8 kilometers, everyone is expected to come by bike, scooter or on foot, for example, and not to use public transport.

Rules on maximum group size do not apply to permitted educational activities. In the building, the maximum number stated at the door of the classroom applies.

Staff members with child(ren) who make use of daycare center are allowed to report that they are engaged in a crucial profession and can therefore make use of the daycare center facility.

The planned extra opening during the Christmas holidays will continue: on Saturday 19, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December the building will be open from 10-17 hours for self-study. The workshops, rental, library and canteen will be closed on these days.

It is strongly advised not to travel abroad, and strict rules apply to travelling to the Netherlands. In case of necessary travel, please check the website of the Dutch government.

The basic rules of among others, keeping 1.5 metres distance, washing hands often, staying at home in case of symptoms, and getting tested still apply.

Press conference on 13 October: face masks

Higher education is also subject to a face mask requirement outside the classrooms. Wearing face masks is mandatory as of Friday October 16, 2020 at the KABK when you walk through the building and in the workshops, library and rental. Only in classrooms and offices and when sitting in the canteen, wearing a face mask is not mandatory.

As of the 17th of September, classes will start again at the KABK. There is a maximum of 50% of the students per department in the building at the same time. This means that when students have classes at the academy, they can spend that whole day within the building and make use of the workshops. On days students have no classes they do not come to the building and cannot use the workshops.

Information from the Dutch government and the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) is published here.

Note: Updates on the start of the school year, introduction days and Corona related news are reported directly to students, staff and prospective students. Detailed information for students and staff is available through the KABK portal.

September 1^st marks the start of the introduction programme for new students at the KABK. Anticipating the government restrictions regarding COVID-19, large group activities are not included in this programme. All organised physical events are of an informative nature​. Detailed information is shared with the students via the KABK portal.

The KABK follows the travel advice of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is published here.

Information from the Dutch government and the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) is published here.

Extended use of facilities for KABK Graduates

As of today, graduates at the KABK can make use of the facilities and workshops in the building. For the time being, it is not permitted in the Netherlands to provide or follow education at higher education institutions, but the use of facilities is subject to restrictions. For this reason, students who wish to do so may have access to studio space and work in the textile, wood and metal workshops, among other places. They can also borrow books from the library and the lending and shop are (limited) open.

The necessary precautions have been taken so that students and staff can do their work safely. Students must register if they want to enter the building, the canteen is closed and group formation is not allowed. The academy building is provided with shielding material and tape to mark workplaces and walking routes. The examination of the work takes place online, which means that all students who graduate in the academic year 2019-2020 will present their work online to the assessment committee before the summer.

The final exam exhibition will take place after the summer holidays in the academy building, and will be accompanied by a graduation catalogue and PR campaign. Work by students who are not (or cannot be) present at that time will also be exhibited in an appropriate manner.

As from today, students can apply to the university for financial support to compensate for the loss of income due to the corona crisis which cannot be recouped with an extra loan from DUO or under other schemes arranged by the government or the municipality.

Online education until 1 June 2020

The University of The Arts The Hague has decided to extend the period for (solely) providing online education from 6 April to 1 June. By extending the term for offering online education only, we strive to provide more clarity for both students and staff. Further details will be shared directly with students and staff.

The Dutch Government has just reported that the measures surrounding the control of the Coronavirus have been tightened up. All school buildings for childcare, primary, secondary, higher and university education will be closed until Monday 6 April. Restaurants and sport facilities will also be closed until 6 April.

This means the following for students and staff of the KABK:

• The academy building will be closed from Tuesday 17 March until Monday 6 April.
  That includes the workshops, the shop and the canteen
• Education only takes place remotely
• As of the afternoon of 16 March you can contact us by e-mail only.

PLEASE NOTE:
Tomorrow, Monday, March 16 from 9.00-18.00, there is an opportunity to pick up stuff or work from the academy premises.
Reception, Rental and Workshop staff are present for assistance.

How the Coronavirus affects education and admissions at the KABK.

Following the measures of the Dutch government, as communicated yesterday, we have listed the most relevant topics below. The measures are valid until at least 31 March.

Application Procedure - Applying to the KABK?

• We will either conduct interviews with applicants via Skype/Facetime or postpone to another date
• All applicants will be informed via email

Building Opening Hours – Is the Academy closed?

• The building and the workshops will remain open Monday – Friday from 9.00 till 18.00
• From 9.00 – 18.00 we host Consultation Hours @Gipsenzaal if you have any questions, please stop by
• Saturday 14 March, 21 March and 28 March the building is closed

Education - What will happen with my classes, are the studios and workshops open?

• There are no classes in the KABK building, only remotely, at least until 31 March 2020
• The Cabinet measure does not apply to primary and secondary education. The School for Young Talent will simply carry out its teaching programme
• Our range of courses, such as Kidsclub and preparatory year, will be discontinued until further notice
• Students will be further informed by their departments via email
• Workshops and studios are open during the opening hours of the building, workshop staff will remain available

Events and study trips

• Various events, such as the international Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Language and Democracy "Who Speaks", have been cancelled or postponed until further notice
• All study trips have been cancelled, this will be communicated to students and external partners

Not feeling well or concerned about friends/family?

• The KABK is following the guidance of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment and the information from comparable institutions abroad
• Please check these pages in case you are feeling sick, want to check symptoms or have any question
• In case of sickness, please report this to your department head (students) or manager (staff)
• Staff members must also send an email to Personnel via hr@hdkdenhaag.nl

Exchange/internship – What about my exchange/ internship?

• Students who are going abroad on internship or Exchange and are not there yet, are not allowed to travel to their internship or Exchange location
• Students who are currently abroad can stay there, and follow the local rules and regulations
• For questions, mail to: exchange@kabk.nl

The government has just asked the universities of applied sciences and universities to stop offering education in our buildings immediately, and where possible to replace it with distance education.

The Executive Board of the University of the Arts has decided to follow this call. However, the building and the workshops will remain open and staff will remain available! Students will be further informed by their departments.

The Cabinet measure does not apply to primary and secondary education. The School for Young Talent will simply carry out its teaching programme.

Our range of courses, such as Kidsclub and preparatory year, will be discontinued until further notice.

Further details will follow on Friday March 13, about the use of the workshops and other non-classical activities.

All classes are cancelled, assuming that this applies until at least April 1st. The KABK is investigating ways to set up the education remotely.

Cases of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease Covid-19) have now been confirmed in the Netherlands. As an international institution with a strong international population, the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) strives to act responsibly in order to protect our students, staff, guests and prospective students. The KABK is following the guidance of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the information from comparable institutions abroad.

Cancellation
The international Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Language and Democracy "Who Speaks", that was planned to take place on March 18, has been postponed to the early Fall of 2020.

Please do not shake hands
On behalf of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) the existing hygiene measures at the Royal Academy of Art are expanded with an additional precaution, namely that we ask everyone not to shake hands.

Advice for residents of Noord-Brabant
The RIVM advises residents of the province of Noord-Brabant to limit their social contacts if they are suffering from a cold, cough or fever. This means: stay at home. This also applies to students and staff from the Royal Academy of Art who live in Noord-Brabant.

Application procedure
Application interviews with students from high risk areas (orange and red zones) will only take place via multimedia channels. Applicants will be personally informed about this procedure. This concerns the following countries:

• China (including: Macau en Hongkong)
• Zuid-Korea
• Iran
• Italië

Travel advice for students: rules tightened
The Royal Academy of Art has tightened its rules for staff and students who are planning a trip abroad. This could mean study trips or trips for a course, workgroup or exhibition. The information below does not apply to personal trips that staff and students are planning.

• Staff members and students are not allowed to travel to areas that have been designated as orange or red zones in the travel advice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (this is standard procedure). Since 10 March, the whole of Italy has been designated as either a red or an orange zone.
• Staff members and students who are already abroad may find that the travel advice for that country has changed. If that is the case, please contact the head of your department or coordinator. If the travel advice changes to orange or red, you will be repatriated to the Netherlands. Upon your return, the RIVM guidelines apply: if you experience even the mildest of symptoms, call your doctor or the local branch of the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD). If you live in The Hague, this is GGD Haaglanden at 088 355 01 00.
  If the travel advice changes to yellow, a decision will be taken on whether it is advisable for you to return to the Netherlands. It is important that you do not have any symptoms at the moment you return to the Netherlands. If you are experiencing symptoms, a doctor or the GGD will be consulted for advice.

Infection prevention
The Royal Academy of Art advises basic hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. These are:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
• Stay at home if you are sick.

If you have traveled to an area with coronavirus in the last 14 days, or you have been in contact with a confirmed Covid-19 patient, and you feel unwell (even mild health problems), the advice is:

• Stay at home; do not travel if you are ill.
• Staff members report to their supervisor and P&O (070-3154772).
• Students report to their department head or coördinator.

If your symptoms worsen, respiratory symptoms in particular:

• Call your doctor and tell them about your recent trip and symptoms. If you do not have a doctor here, call the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) instead. If you live in The Hague, this is GGD Haaglanden at 088 355 01 00. Avoid contact with others. If you are not registered with a doctor, get in contact with our Student Counselor for guidance.

For more information see the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment(RIVM) website.

As an educational institution with a strong international population, we are aware that the current Corona epidemic is also our concern. We strive to act responsibly and ask our staff, students and application candidates to help us do so. This influences the enrolment procedure in the following way:

In order to avoid unnecessary travel, applicants now living in high risk areas are offered alternative channels for the application process. Interviews will only run via Skype or Facetime until further notice. These applicants will be contacted by the Student Administration.

At the moment, high risk areas are the following:

China, South-Korea, Iran, Singapore and the following regions in Northern Italy: Aosta-valley, Piëmonte, Lombardy, Trentino-south-Tirol, Friuli-Julisch-Venice, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Liguria.

We ask students, teachers and staff to cancel any plans to travel to high risk areas until further notice.

Further information and FAQ’s are published on the website of the RIVM (the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).

Please note that the KABK follows the recommendations of the RIVM (the Dutch National Institute for Health and Environment) and the government about the Coronavirus. The KABK will update students, staff and applicants when necessary.

Sources of information:

• The RIVM monitors the situation in the Netherlands and provides advice at these webpages.
• Updated travel advice is published on the website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Special information for educational institutions (Dutch only) is published on the Dutch government website.

As you may be aware, China and other countries around the world are working to contain the spread of a newly detected Coronavirus. As an educational institution with a strong international population, we are aware that the current epidemic is also our concern. We strive to act responsibly and ask our staff, students and application candidates to help us do so.

Therefore we take the following measures:

In order to avoid unnecessary travel, applicants now living in China are offered alternative channels for the application process. Interviews will only run via Skype or Facetime until further notice. These applicants will be contacted by the Student Administration.

We ask students, teachers and staff to cancel any plans to travel to China until further notice.

For those who have recently been to China, we request you to not come to the academy for up to two weeks from the date of your return and stay at home as much as possible.

Further information and FAQ’s are published on the website of the RIVM.