Following a positive expert recommendation, the government and the Flemish higher education institutions in Brussels have agreed to begin the new academic year under code green coronavirus restrictions. This was previously confirmed for institutions in Flanders. It means the Vrije Universiteit Brussel will be able to make use of its full campus capacity. We will of course continue to respect the public health measures in Brussels and are actively working to increase the vaccination rate.
Universities and university colleges in the Flemish Region had already received the green light to start the new year at 100% campus capacity. Students in Brussels have now also been given this guarantee that they can study in the best possible conditions. VUB continues to focus on blended learning, a complementary mix of in-person and digital teaching. We are happy to be able to offer our students contact teaching time on campus and at locations in the city with weKONEKT.brussels, reinforced by digital teaching formats.
Face masks remain compulsory in classrooms. To positively influence the epidemiological situation in Brussels, VUB is setting up vaccination points on its campuses and is encouraging staff, students and visitors to get vaccinated. We are also taking into account all the applicable health protection measures, such as ensuring sufficient ventilation of all rooms, respecting the rules around distancing and face masks, and implementing the Corona Safe Ticket for social, cultural and student activities.
With its partners, VUB has done everything it can to allow the new year to begin in the most favourable conditions possible. We are happy and grateful that we have the confidence of the government to fully focus on our pedagogical project and maximum welfare. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is looking forward to once again welcoming students to its campuses.