As we move into the October vacation we hope you and your families are all safe and well and despite restrictions, will enjoy the chance to find time to relax with family over the break. We would like to thank all our students, parents, and staff for embracing the ‘new normal’ routines and COVID 19 protocols over the past nine weeks as this collaborative effort has allowed for AIS to operate in a face to face environment. Maintaining a safe and healthy environment is a top priority for us. When we return to school on Monday 26 October we all need to heighten our awareness and continue to stay vigilant as infections continue to rise in the Netherlands.
On Tuesday 13 October 2020 the Dutch Government announced further measures taken in the Netherlands. The Prime Minister re-emphasized that the measures pending on the situation on October 28 could be extended again.
AIS Directorate would like to inform and remind you of the following:
- The detail for AIS COVID 19 Prevention and Response Planning is summarized in Annex J. Although this information has been shared in August 2020 (BOG Letter: 07.08.20) we hope you find it a timely reminder of how AIS is managing the risk of transmission and the response AIS protocols should AIS have a confirmed case of COVID 19 in school. The importance of employees and parents conducting the pre-screening protocol before coming to school cannot be over emphasised and it is critical that each family continues to support our school and follow the protocols AIS have in place. We have had no infections recorded and your prescreening protocol has played a critical role in maintaining this status.
- With holiday time approaching, there is increased opportunity to travel. Please check carefully the restrictions on travel when planning any trips and we refer you to Annex D.4 and D.5 that have helpful links for further advice. Be aware with updated host nation self-quarantine restrictions students will not be allowed to access the campus until they have completed host nation and AIS quarantine requirements and are cleared to return to school. If students have visited a ‘Red Zone’, and come to school, and we become aware of it, we are required to contact the parent to pick up their child/and or children, and the Command will be notified. If in any doubt please contact your national section.
- By not complying with self-quarantine restrictions or by sending your child to school when he/she is not feeling well you may be putting the entire school at risk of closing.
- We ask that you once again talk through with your child their own personal safety measures to protect against transmitting or catching the coronavirus infection. Particularly important for many of our older students as maintaining a social distance of 1.5 m from other individuals remains a challenge for them as they move around in public space, both inside and outside of the school building. This protection measure needs to become second nature as infection rates rise. As parents, you can support and reinforce this message – masks are considered an additional measure to social distancing.
- We ask you to keep in touch with us and contact your National Section should your family be directly affected by the coronavirus infection. This will help us to maintain accurate records.
- If you have not already signed up for AIS Emergency Notification System (ENS), this is a friendly reminder that it is not too late. The system sends you an alert message if we need to cancel classes or close the school unexpectedly. Information is available on our website and through your national section newsletters. We will be testing the system in November – so please sign up before 1st November if you want to be included in the test alert.
- The following link provides the most up to date information available from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) https://www.rivm.nl/en/current-information-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19
- GGD national number on 0800-1202 or – Direct number for Heerlen 0880-5005
Current Restrictions:
Regulation for groups in and outside the home and public areas
- Inside your home you may receive a maximum of 3 guests per day. Children up to and including 12 years are not included.
- Permitted social group size outside is a maximum of 4 people.
- Inside public areas a maximum of 30 people may be together. Children count.
- Work from home as much as possible. Only go to work if there is absolutely no other option.
- Wear a mouth mask in:
– Public buildings where you as public are allowed to enter. For example in the library, a shop or the station.
– Public transportation
– Secondary education
This applies to everyone from the age of 13.
Cafés and Bars
- All cafes and restaurants are closed. Takeaway remains possible. The rules do not apply to hotels, funeral homes, airports past the security check.
- Shops close at 2000 hrs. at the latest. There are no shopping evenings.
- The sale of alcohol is prohibited between 2000 hrs. and 0700 hrs. You are therefore not allowed to have alcohol with you on the street.
Events
- All events are prohibited. Exception for: food markets, trade fairs and conferences, cinemas and theaters, games/competitions, demonstrations. If/when basic regulations are not adhered to these events can be closed.
Sports
- 18+ Sports are only allowed at a distance of 1.5 meters from others. Exercise alone or in a team of up to 4 people.
- Official games/competitions are not permitted. Canteens, change rooms and shower facilities are closed.
Travelling
- Limited to necessary travel only.
- For planned holiday you need to stay at your holiday address, do not extend your travels from here.
- Follow the guidelines in other countries.
Please continue to follow our website and twitter messages.
We hope that you and your families have a safe, restful and happy October holiday.
AIS Directorate.
See also: