Proven safety protocols (adherence to Austria’s “2.5G rule”, the entry wristband system, and wearing an FFP2 (KN-95) face mask) will remain in place for the time being.

Beginning March 7, the JKU will return to on-site, in-person operations. In an effort to ensure the safety of everyone on campus at the start of the semester, the JKU will adhere to the “2.5G rule” (vaccinated, recovered, PCR tested) for the time being. During the 2022 Summer Semester, students will be required to show proof of adherence to the “2.5G” rule before attending classes by obtaining an entry wristband at one of the check-in stations located on campus. In addition, the mask mandate will remain in place and those on campus will be required to wear an FFP2 (KN-95) face mask.

New this semester:

• As in Vienna, PCR tests will be valid for a 48-hour period (starting at the point when the test was taken) and will be accepted as proof of compliance with the 2.5G rule. Antigen tests do not count.
• The vaccination’s period of validity is based on current legal stipulations, meaning the second vacation is currently valid is 180 days.
• At the request of the Austrian Student Union, there will be a new, voluntary option to obtain a JKU wristband that is valid for an entire month after presenting valid proof of adherence to the “2G” rule (vaccinated, recovered). This will not only simplify the check-in process, but will also help students avoid long wait times. In order to obtain the month-long band, the Green Pass must be valid for longer than the current month. This means that during the Summer Semester, two colors will be valid on each day (the color of the daily wristband, and the color of the monthly wristband). As before, the entry wristbands do not indicate the wearer’s 2.5G status.

Rector Meinhard Lukas is delighted about the upcoming prospects to return to on-site and in-person operations: "Universities not only convey knowledge; ; a key and crucial part of our educational mission includes on-site communication between students and being able to talk with faculty members. We get this kind of feedback time and again so I am all the more pleased that our campus will once again be a lively, more bustling place to be this spring."

Students and faculty can look forward to more accustomed university operations, at least for the time being. The new semester will be ushered in with an exciting program for newly enrolled students during JKU Welcome Day on March 10, including campus tours and a co-ed volleyball tournament.

Work-from-home orders for employees in lieu of the coronavirus pandemic ended on February 28, meaning general employees and faculty members are once again available on campus. Beginning March 1, prior rules in regard to working from home apply, including the new work-from-home agreement for general employees.

Click here for a detailed overview of the JKU’s current coronavirus safety protocols and protective measures