ASU Rector Konstantin Markelov Addresses Staff Members and Students

Dear students and colleagues! The reason of my address to you today is the coronavirus pandemic. In order to save life and health, we need to follow the strict regulations, recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Astrakhan State University is taking reinforced measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our students and staff. The university has already switched over the distance learning mode. Today you can work at the interactive educational platform of Moodle and use databases of the ASU scientific library without leaving your home. Students of the ASU Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation have an opportunity to use Interpreter Q Media Player, a new improved app, free of charge.

You see it yourself: your life has not stopped with switching over distance learning, it has gone on full speed ahead within a new framework. You can listen to webinars and lectures by eminent scientists, go for a virtual walk in museums and exhibitions, attend performances of the best theatres of the world online, develop yourself in any sphere.

Work has been done to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in dormitories of Astrakhan State University. We have increased measures on keeping the dormitories in proper condition. For example, we have suspended mass-scale events with participation of dormitory residents and other citizens, we have set up a schedule of usage of sanitary and amenity facilities, dining facilities and service space. Besides, the dormitory premises are secured by the guards, keeping the established pass control.

Yesterday, on March 25, we all saw the address of President Vladimir Putin to the citizens of the Russian Federation. He stressed that we need to pay extreme attention to recommendations from doctors and public authorities. Alotdependsonitnow. This is particularly relevantfor the most vulnerable groups of population — elderly people and those with chronic illnesses.

In order to minimize the risk of the rapid spread of the disease, the president has issued the executing order "On declaring non-work days in Russia". Non-work days will last from March 28 (Saturday) to April 5 (Sunday).

Inthisregard, break from studies has been announced for students next week. Respective changes will be made in the calendar academic schedule.

The country does everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That is why I encourage you to take special precautions during this period — leave your home only in case of emergency, wear facemasks and disposable gloves, use disinfecting agents for your hands. When you come home, clean your mobile phone, keys and door handles with alcohol-containing agents, if you don’t have special agents, just use alcohol for these purposes. Airyourhouseanddowetcleaningmoreoften.

Help elderly people buy food and necessities of life. Remember about personal responsibility for your family, for those who live next door, who need your help and support. Allthepowerofsocietyisinsuchsolidarity.

I reckon on your understanding and wish you and your families good health!