coronavirus

Due to the Order of the Government of the Republic of Estonia, Tallinn University will be closed from Saturday, 14 March. Read more about the arrangements on further study and work regulations.

Study Regulations During the Emergency Situation

Where to get information about the emergency and coronavirus?

Where to get information about the emergency and coronavirus? Russian

Health Board webpage

Travelling

  • According to the Rector's order from 12th March 2020, all Tallinn University employees business trips abroad are cancelled. In exceptional cases the rector can give a special permit for sending an employee on a business trip abroad, considering the priority of the trip, its unavoidable nature and other exceptional circumstances. Management Support Office shall be the coordinator when communicating with Reisiekspert travel agency regarding the costs of business trips cancelled.
  • In case of planned new business trips, refrain from making costs until a different order is given.
  • In case of private trips abroad, the employee shall inform their direct supervisor and shall stay at home for two weeks after the trip, agreeing with the direct supervisor on performing the work tasks during the mentioned period. The direct supervisor shall inform the Personnel Office of such employee.
  • Foreign lecturers must stay away from the university for two weeks after arriving to Estonia and conduct teaching in the form of e-learning if necessary.
  • The University recommends all employees to carefully consider the inevitability of all outbound travels. If possible, the planned trips should be cancelled as travelling increases the risk of spreading the infection.

Cancelling business trips

Business trips taking place after May 1st - if the organiser cancels or postpones the event, please contact Reisiekspert to cancel or change your trip

We have agreed with Reisiekspert that they will work on the business trips according to the dates, meaning trips that are closer will be cancelled first. 

Please pay attention to the following:

  • If you have not registered your business trip in WD (before 12.03.2020), please contact Reisiekspert 5 days before your trip. Please do not turn to them with trips that are supposed to take place in April. The same goes for the trips you have planned for your guests.
  • If you have done your travel arrangements yourself (without Reisiekspert), please contact the respective companies.
  • If you have not received information about your planned business trip 5 days before your trip should start, please contact Reisiekspert (but please check first from WD whether there are any new info about your trip).
  • Save all correspondence with Reisiekspert or other companies used for travel arrangements and add it to WD to your business trip order.
  • Flight tickets will not be cancelled right away but just before the start of the trip.
  • Accommodation will be managed case-by-case and getting refund is unlikely.

Please be understanding if you don ́t receive feedback from Reisiekspert right away, they are also totally overloaded and they do their best. It is very important not to turn to them right now with the business trips that take place in a couple of weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Head of International Cooperation Kätlin Keinast (katlin.keinast@tlu.ee, 514 4265). Please share this information with your colleagues as well.

Administrative work and research

  • Employees will continue working. In agreement with the immediate supervisor, employees may also carry out teleworking if the nature of the work permits so. When doing telework, the immediate supervisor and the employee has to agree on the tasks, the organization of working time, the communication with the manager and colleagues, and so on.
  • To work in the university, one has to consider the followings: employee or their family members do not show signs of illness; the recommended hygiene requirements are observed at work; agreed meetings shall be held normally unless cancelled by the organiser; if the employee is unable to continue its work due to university's work reorganisation, he/she shall continue to be paid during his absence.
  • The University recommends staying home for employees who has symptoms of respiratory infections (cough, rhinitis, sore throat, etc.), or who may have been exposed to the virus.
  • All university units must be prepared for teleworking.

Studies

  •  From 14th March 2020, teaching at Tallinn University is conducted in the form of e-learning. Contact learning is not allowed.
  • Lecturers will rearrange teaching on a temporary basis, using technological means, and inform the registered students of the rearrangements by 16.03.2020 at the latest. 
  • Lecturers will adjust and publicize course programmes by 23.03.2020 at the latest.
  • As concerns courses that cannot be given in the form of e-learning: further guidelines will be given by the lecturer.
  • Lecturers will determine and publicize the communication means (phone, Skype, zoom, etc.) for interacting with students, and the dates and times of the so-called speaking sessions.
  • Students facing difficulties with using technological means are obliged to inform the lecturers.
  • Lecturers follow the time schedule set in the course timetable in arranging e-learning, if possible.
  • Students are recommended to use technological means and avoid meeting the team members in person when organizing independent work, incl. teamwork. Possible options for using e-tools. 
  • Students will communicate with the university staff via phone, e-mail or other available digital tools.
  • Students studying abroad or are transferring to international studies who wish to stop or cancel their studies, please contact the Senior Specialist for International Studies Nele Dobrõš (+372 6409 136). 
  • The library is closed, electronic materials can be used.
  • Rearrangements of studies will be carried out according to circumstances. 
  • All scheduled Doctoral thesis defences will take place, however without audiences. The defences will be video-broadcasted.
  • Continuing education courses will be delayed and those who have registered will be informed of the new dates and times.
  • Foreign lecturers must stay away from the university for two weeks after arriving to Estonia and conduct teaching in the form of e-learning if necessary.
  • We ask students to interact with the study counsellors via e-mail and telephone if possible.

University campus

  • University employees can enter the campus only through the Mare building.
  • Students cannot be at the campus without an exceptional reason.
  • The library, study centre, computer rooms, labs, studios, lecture halls and recreational areas are closed for the students.
  • Sports halls are closed.
  • Events will not be held at the university.
  • All scheduled Doctoral thesis defences will take place, however without audiences. The defences will be video-broadcasted.
  • Cafeterias in Mare and Terra buildings are open at 9:00-14:00, other cafeterias are closed.

Requirements in Tallinn University dormitories

Due to the Estonian government's declaration of a state of emergency, we ask the residents of the dormitories to follow the following requirements:

  • Students arriving from risk areas must stay in their dorm and immediately inform about it via email: dormitorium@tlu.ee.
  • If you suspect an infection, we ask you not to go to the Emergency Medicine Department (EMO) as this may endanger others. When you feel sick you need to stay in your room and call the family doctor or the family doctor's advice line 1220 (if you are from abroad you can call +372 634 6630). Inform your illness or suspicion of illness to dormitorium@tlu.ee.
  • Avoid social gatherings and events. It is advisable to keep at least one meter from in fected persons.
  • Great care must be taken with regards to hygiene requirements, in particular, regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water.
  • When entering the dorm building, we kindly ask you to disinfect your hands at the dispensers installed in the entrance.

Student Union

Tallinn University Student Union decided to temporarily close the office. This is a preventive measure.

  • ISIC cards cannot be ordered or received at the office due to the closing of the office.
  • The council vote is postponed because it is not possible for ballot to vote for security reasons. The vote will probably take place in early April.
  • Rings can only be ordered via email, but you must be sure of the size of your ring.

If you have any questions, please contact isic@esindus.ee

Infection prevention

Keep the distance

  • Close contact is required to transmit the virus from person to person. If possible, avoid crowded gatherings - public events, cinema, theater, visiting, community trainings, health clubs. If you can, then work from home. When outside, try to keep a distance of ~ 1.5-2 m with other people. Avoid public transportation, lifts, and other situations where close contact with other people is inevitable.
  • If you have been quarantined at home (if you have been exposed to a coronary patient or have traveled from a risk area), following the above recommendations is especially important for you. Avoid leaving home at every opportunity - use courier when ordering a groceries (ask to leave food behind the door if possible, use a mask at reception, etc.), or have a friend bring a few days to the door. Don't invite anyone to visit. Connect with people over the phone and over the Internet.
  • If you come from a potential risk area, it is prudent to isolate yourself first, even if no one has given you a recommendation. If you have health complaints when returning from a risk area, or if you have a known coronary illness, then your testing is indicated. Initially, in this case, consult a family doctor's helpline at 1220. Regardless of the test, you will still need isolation.

Observe hygiene!

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after leaving home, sniffing, coughing, sneezing, or contacting people with other signs of illness. In situations where hand washing is not possible, you may use a hand sanitizer instead. Avoid touching the face with your hands. Use a paper towel or an automatic dryer to dry your hands.
  • Observe respiratory hygiene! If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable napkin. If you do not have a napkin, use your sleeve instead of your bare hand. After using the napkin, immediately throw it in the bin and clean your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the virus getting you. In public places, your hands are exposed to a number of surfaces that may have recently been contaminated by viruses.
  • Ventilate rooms regularly, preferably every hour for 10 minutes.

Characterization of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 and frequently asked questions with answers can be found in Estonian Health Board homepage.

Be prepared!

  • During the pandemia, hospitals may be overcrowded. Do everything you can to avoid getting there. If you have chronic illnesses, make sure you have enough medication for the short term and take  them properly according to your regimen. Manage health risks in your daily life. Avoid situations that may result in extraordinary trauma/health problems, such as excessive alcohol consumption, non-use of working equipment, unsafe driving, etc. Learn simpler first aid techniques and complement your home pharmacy.
    The pandemia is unlikely to cause problems with access to food/water, so buy them with common sense. A few days' supply is reasonable, not buying the entire store.
    Masks play a minor role outside of a particular illness and, given their limited supply, it is more reasonable to leave them to the health care system. The mask could be used by someone with signs of infection living with other people. Even in this case, the mask will be better protected to prevent close contact and to ventilate the room. Considering the possible need to spend a lot of time between the walls of your home, it makes sense to plan activities that fit your needs - such as board games, books, music, movies, etc.
  • Coronavirus is a major threat to the elderly and people with co-morbidities. To protect them, it is wise to omit all avoidable visits at the moment, whether going home or visiting a nursing home or hospital. This does not mean that they should be neglected. Keep in touch with your close ones over the phone. But if being in contact with them is ineivitable, then carefully observe the hygiene rules, if possible, keep the distance.

In case of infection of a student or employee of Tallinn University

  • Infected employee informs the head of the unit/department he/she works and informs the head about  possible contact with other employees.
  • In case the infected employee has had contact with other staff members of  the unit/depratment he/she works at, then the head informs staff about it.
  • In case the infected employee has had contact with members of staff from other units/departments, then the head will informs the staff of Personnel Office about it and they in turn inform everyone who may suspect possible infection.
  • Infected resident of Tallinn University Dormitory must inform the house manager about the infection immediately.

In case of suspected infections

  • COVID-19 is suspected in a patient with acute respiratory infection (with at least one of the following symptoms: cough, fever, difficulty in breathing) and/or who had been in close contact with someone infected to COVID-19 or was in the COVID-19 risk area.
  • If a person suspects that they are infected with COVID-19, you should call your family doctor. The family doctor will evaluate the patient's situation and, if necessary, arrange for hospitalization.
  • If the family doctor cannot be reached, call the family doctor's helpline (+732)1220.
  • If you suspect an infection, then in order not to spread the infection with others, dont go to the family doctor's centre.
  • In the event of a serious illness, call emergency medical care 112. The health professional should be notified if a person has visited COVID-19 risk area and / or if the person has been in a contact with COVID-19 infected person.
  • You must not go directly to the Emergency Medical Center or the Children's Hospital.
  • If you are awaiting the results of a coronavirus test or your test is positive, you must stay at home to prevent the further spread of the infectious disease.

Keep an eye on information

We ask our employees and students to continually monitor and follow the Health Board's guidelines for the spread of COVID-19. As the risk assessments change, the University provides up-to-date information and guidance.

Characteristics of the Coronavirus Disease COVID-19 and Frequently Asked Questions with Answers are described on the Health Board's website.

The University's Marketing and Communications Department continuously monitors information from the Health Board and communicates it promptly to our members through the university's internal and external channels.

Important contacts

Reilika Muuli, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Phone. +372 6409 211
E-mail: reilika.muuli@tlu.ee

Eveli Ojamäe-Veider, Head of Personnel Office (information about work related issues)
Phone. +372 640 9210
E-mail: eveli.ojamae-veider@tlu.ee

Helen Joost, Head of Academic Affairs Office (information about studies / academic affairs)
Phone. +372 6409 130
E-mail: helen.joost@tlu.ee

Kätlin Keinast,  Head of International Cooperation (information about business trips)
Phone. +372 51 44 265
E-mail: katlin.keinast@tlu.ee

Toomas Henk, Head of NGO Dormatorium 
Phone. +372 501 5903
E-mail: toomas.henk@tlu.ee

More information in matters of classes:
Study Counsellors of academic units

Marketing and Communications office
Phone. +372 6409 120
E-mail: pr@tlu.ee 
All contacts

Official  Spokepersons

Tiit Land, Rector
Phone. +372 6409 100
E-mail: tiit.land@tlu.ee

Helen Sooväli-Sepping, Vice-Rector for Sustainable Development, Head of the Covid-19 Prevention Commission at TLU
Phone. +372 6409 466
E-mail: helen.soovali-sepping@tlu.ee

Priit Reiska, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs
Phone. +372 6409 104
E-mail: priit.reiska@tlu.ee

Sulev Oll, Head of Communication
Phone. +372 6409 142
E-mail: sulev.oll@tlu.ee

Dormitories House Managers

Karu 17 
Ella Simonova
Phone. +372 53 018 311
E-mail: ella.simonova@dormitorium.ee
 
Räägu 49A 
Lemmi Linna
Phone. +372 56 892 302
E-mail: lemmil@tlu.ee
 
Västriku 8 
Piret Gehrke
Phone. +372 56 296 776
E-mail: piret.gehrke@gmail.com
 
MTÜ Dormatorium e-mail: dormatorium@tlu.ee