Dear Members of UMed Community,

as we are entering the time of increased infections which are attacking us with double force this year, I would like to remind you that according to Directive of the Rector of the Medical University of Lodz no.103/2021, employees with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are asked to stay home. I strongly call and underline that this rule applies not only to all the employees of UMed but also to all the students of the University.

In this case, as well as in other situations where justified ie. during quarantine, Head/Director of the Department not only can but also should send people to work remotely, whilst employee conducting classes should enable students to study from home. These circumstances require mutual trust and flexible approach from all of us.

At the same time, I would like to remind you that wearing masks when walking around the building or staying in so-called common areas ie. toilets is compulsory. The pandemic is not over yet and therefore, it is entirely up to us and whether we act according to the basic hygiene rules and sanitary recommendations, that we stay safe and secure the continuity of work.

Almost all of us have already been vaccinated, yet it does not mean that there is no chance of getting infected with COVID-19. The vaccine primarily protects us from severe course of the disease and from dying.

From 2nd November 2021, Polish Ministry of Health started giving booster dose vaccinations for all people over 18 who had their last dose (a complete immunisation process) more than 6 months ago. That is very good news for all of us. I recommend to all of you to take the 3^rd booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We should appreciate the fact, that it is universally accessible and it not only protects our health, but can also help to slow down the development of the pandemic.