_European University Covid-19 Tracker

In Germany, which has delayed the start of its academic year by a month, to the beginning of November, universities will keep an estimated 90 per cent of classes online, whilst its neighbour the Netherlands has tried to keep universities open as much as possible, despite the risk. In this blog, we provide a summary of the response of higher education to the pandemic, in key European countries.

Denmark
In response to escalating Covid-19 responses in Denmark, the government imposed new restrictions including mandatory facemasks in indoor places, a ban on selling alcohol after 10pm and gatherings limited to a maximum of ten people. Restrictions on facemasks and alcohol will remain in place until 2nd January 2021. All of the largest five universities in Denmark are delivering courses in a blended format.

France
The possibility of course delays in France is more apparent among the largest five universities, with some providing little information on how they plan to deliver teaching. On 28th October, the French President announced a second national lockdown, beginning 29th October at midnight, until at least the end of November. Residents are now only allowed to leave home for essential work or medical reasons. Although essential shops and schools will remain open, universities and higher education courses will be mostly taught online.

Germany
Germany will enter into ‘lockdown-lite’ on 2nd November, in which bars and restaurants will be closed and public events banned, but schools will remain open, as will universities. The measures will initially apply for four weeks. The largest five universities in Germany have decided to delay their start dates to the beginning of November. The University of Munster and RWTH Aachen University have recently announced they will move all teaching online. It is expected that all universities will follow suit.

Ireland
Level 5, the highest level of coronavirus restrictions, is now in place across the whole of Ireland, until at least the 1st December. Visits to homes or organised gatherings are forbidden, whilst cafes and restaurants may offer takeaway service only. All of the largest five universities in Ireland have begun the academic year on time. There is a mix between blended learning approaches and online lectures on offer.

Italy
Continuing surges in coronavirus cases in Italy has resulted in further tightening of the restrictions, which will see bars and restaurants shut by 6pm, with gyms, swimming pools and cinemas all shut until 24th November. Most universities in Italy have begun the academic year on time, with the largest five institutions all delivering teaching in a blended format, combining both in person and online teaching.

Netherlands
A partial lockdown is now in place in The Netherlands to bring down infections rates quickly. Measures include staying at home with no more than three visitors per day, indoors and outdoors groups limited to four people and indoor seated venues limited to 30. Retail stores are to shut from 8pm, whilst cafes may only provide a takeaway service after 8pm. Utrecht University stated the possibility of a delay to the start of term, however appears to have now began teaching, with lectures taking place online. The other four largest universities in the Netherlands will deliver a blended learning approach, agreed in unison across all Dutch universities.

Poland
Poland has created three zones regarding coronavirus infections: green, yellow and red. Red zone restrictions are now inforce throughout the entire country, including a 1.5 metre distancing rule, obligatory mouth and nose covering in public spaces, cultural events to not exceed 25% capacity and public gathering limited to five people. A blended teaching format will be delivered by most of the largest five universities in Poland.

Spain
Spain has recently enforced a curfew between 23:00 and 6:00 which could be extended for as long as six months. Regions in Spain may now impose their own travel restrictions. The majority of the largest five universities in Spain are delivering teaching in a blended format, whilst the University of Granada has temporarily suspended face-to-face teaching for as long as the Government maintains the highest level of restrictions.

Sweden
The Swedish Government has suspended all non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside of the EU, excluding the UK, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. This ban will apply until the 22nd December. All of the largest five universities in Sweden have begun the academic year on time, with the majority still conducting online teaching for the time being. Both Lund and Stockholm University are offering a blended learning approach.

UK
As of the 5th November, the UK will enter into its second national lockdown until Wednesday 2nd December. Latest restrictions include requiring people to stay at home except for specific purposes, preventing gatherings with people you do not live with and closing certain businesses and venues, including restaurants and leisure. Schools and universities will remain open. The majority of the largest five universities in the UK will continue to provide larger teaching activities such as lectures online, with smaller seminars and practical activities taught on campus.

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Stuart Osborn
Partner, Head of European Residential Investment Transactions
+44 2078 611 735
stuart.osborn@knightfrank.com