Frequently asked questions about the coronavirus (FAQ)
Questions regarding obligatory non-attendance
Q: Within two weeks before the measures of the university regarding the quarantine were executed (e.g.: 5 days prior to that), I visited an area that has been declared infected. Are the 14 days of quarantine to be counted from the announcement of the measures, or from my return from the infected area?
A: The 14 days are to be counted from the day of return, so if you have returned before the measures of the university were executed, period of quarantine is counted from that date. Because of that, the quarantine is going to be shorter. The same is true for the cases of contact with an infected person.
Q: I was in contact with someone who visited an area that, based on the actual list of ELTE, qualifies as an infected area. Does the obligatory non-attendance of the University for 14 days apply to me?
A: Only in case of close contact, and if it was in the last 14 days that the person you contacted left the area qualified as infected. It is important that in this case as well the person can be released from the home quarantine if it is certain that the contacted person is symptom-free even after two weeks of their leaving the infected area, and infection is not verified in their case.
Q: What qualifies as „close contact”?
A: Considering the spread of the virus, those persons qualify as a close contact with whom one i) shares a household, or ii) had personal contact (within the distance of 2 meters and for longer than 15 minutes), or iii) was with in one closed space (within the distance of 2 meters and for longer than 15 minutes), or iv) got into direct physical contact (e.g. by handshake); or v) whose phlegm one was in any possible contact with (e.g. by cough, or by touching a used handkerchief).
Q: I was in contact with someone who has been put in home quarantine based on the instructions of ELTE – do I have to stay away from university classes and events?
A: No, you do not. The instructions concern precise cases in which the home quarantine might be justifiable. These categories themselves were laid down considering an increased level of awareness, so in case of any further indirect contacts, there is no risk that would justify further measures.
Q: According to the instructions of ELTE, I went to home quarantine. What kind of behavioural rules should I follow?
A: The home quarantine does not mean total isolation (the University could not order anyone that way, but the risk level does not justify it either). While you are in home quarantine, we suggest to limit your personal contacts in a reasonable way, even with people in the same household, and avoid social interactions, furthermore, pay close attention to your personal hygiene (personal towels, cups, etc.; washing your hands and face often, cleaning, and several ventilations each hour). Please pay special attention not to get into close contact with persons who are at increased risk based on their (elderly) age or illness! At the same time, you might go for a walk, or to places where you do not contact people in a closed, tight environment. For the people who live in the same household with you, no further limitations are recommended.
Finally, we request you to follow the up-to-date state-wide regulations (nnk.gov.hu), and if the criteria described here apply to your case and you experience any symptoms, contact your general practitioner.
Q: According to the instructions of ELTE, I went to home quarantine, but the 14 days have expired (are expiring) and I have no symptoms implying that I am ill. May I return to the university or do I have to ask for permission to do so?
A: There is no need for permission, after the 14 days, the quarantine should be ended automatically.
Q: According to the instructions of ELTE, I went to home quarantine. Am I obliged to visit the Dél-Pest Centrum Hospital for a coronavirus test?
A: At the time this response is written (10 March 2020) you have to contact your general practitioner or the Dél-Pest Centrum Hospital only if besides the factor from which the risk of infection emerged (because of which you went to quarantine) you also experience symptoms of aspiratory infection within the 14 days period. With regard to up-to-date regulations, please follow the procedures published on nnk.gov.hu.
Q: According to the instructions of ELTE, I went to home quarantine. How high is the risk that I am infected and how long should I feel worried?
A: Situations prescribing a home quarantine imply a low risk of infection (high risk situations are those cases in which the National Public Health Centre is ordering measures). 14 days counted from the situation of risk is the period beyond which there is no actual possibility for the appearance of symptoms in case of infection, but in three quarters of cases the period of incubation is 2-7 days.
Q: Does a flight journey (maybe one with transfer) that does not reach any centre of infection imply a risk considering which the respective person must stay away from the University?
A: No, it does not.
Questions regarding suggested/recommended non-attendance
Q: Because of my chronic illness, my immune system is weaker. As a student, may I get justification for missing university classes, or as a staff member, can I automatically choose home office?
A: The university cannot always estimate the degree of the risk (point II/2 of the Briefing lists the known standard risk factors). Your general practitioner decides, or consulting with a general practitioner you decide on the necessity of non-attendance. You are required to report about the decision regarding the non-attendance, but you do not have to enclose a medical certificate. We request everyone to take advantage of this opportunity as a responsible University Citizen!
Q: I live with one of the known risk factors (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure – a full list can be found under point II/2 of the Briefing). How high is the level of risk in my case?
A: Risk factors are provided based on the first significant clinical research (according to the international practice). Unfortunately, this research examined risk factors only separately (there was no multivariable analysis carried out). As elderly age shows strong connection with the appearance of the listed chronic illnesses, currently it is not known how much these illnesses in themselves increase the risk of a serious COVID-19 illness (it is possible that the detected effect was partially caused by the high average age of those concerned). At this current moment (10thMarch) the effective risk is low due to the fact that the risk of infection is generally low until the appearance of the public spread of the virus in Hungary.
Questions regarding permitted non-attendance
Q: I do not belong in either of the categories in which cases ELTE would instruct a quarantine, but I am worried that I might get infected. As a student, may I get justification for missing university classes, or as a staff member, can I ask for permission for home office?
A: No, you may not. Non-attendance is justified only in the cases listed in the information briefing. With a good reason, the ELTE Epidemiological Operative Coordinating Body of ELTE (by considering applications sent to jokt@elte.hu) can also permit non-attendance in individual cases, but we request you to submit an application only in especially justifiable cases.
Questions regarding obligatory notification
Q: According to the instructions of ELTE, I went to home quarantine. What kind of obligatory notifications do I have to make towards the University?
A: As a teacher, the direct superior, as a student, the Academic Registrar’s Office of the faculty is to be notified electronically about the reason and the starting point of the non-attendance. Point IV of the Briefing of the Epidemiological Operative Coordinating Body contains the regulation of the required data.
Questions regarding postponing events
Q: Does the suspension/postponement affect the presentations of habilitation and graduation ceremonies as well?
A: No, it does not, as these are events related to the basic operation of the University not affected by the restrictions.
Q: Why are minor events suspended while we do not cancel usual curricular lectures?
A: Curricular lectures (and seminars) are attended by a constant circle (class, group) of students. Extracurricular events are in most cases attended by participants from a lot of different locations who otherwise would not meet each other – this situation is of central importance in terms of the spread of the virus.
Questions regarding other measures
Q: As a teacher (or student), what am I to do if someone in the university class shows significant symptoms that imply respiratory infection, but despite of being asked/warned, they are not willing to leave the room (or the University)?
A: An immediate coercive method is unavailable. We suggest that in such cases people who are close to the person showing the symptoms move away (at least two metres) from them, then after the class, please report the case to the E-mail address jokt@elte.hu, so that we can investigate reasons for possible sanctions.
Q: As a healthy person, not even having been suspected to be infected, what can I do to prevent the disease to spread, and to minimize the possibility of my infection?
A: Besides observing the hygienic rules recommended in situations having an epidemiological risk, it is recommended to minimize social contacts and, if possible, to keep (a physical) distance from others. During lectures, if the size of the room allows, we suggest a loose (“gappy”) seating method.