Topical information on the COVID-19 situation and solutions adopted by the Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College

21.10.2020

On Thursday 15 October 2020, the Government held a press conference on the coronavirus and issued national policy recommendations, particularly for areas of Finland where the virus is spreading faster. In accordance with the Government’s objectives, vocational education and training institutions aim to secure opportunities for contact teaching, even in areas where the coronavirus is spreading faster. In addition, various distance learning methods are being used based on the solutions available to education providers.

It has been confirmed that the coronavirus epidemic in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area is intensifying, and the number of coronavirus cases recorded in recent weeks has increased compared to the early autumn. To date, the Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College has been informed of positive coronavirus test results for four students, two of which have been confirmed by the authorities. In all these cases, the Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College immediately (even before the contact by the authorities) took the precautions required to protect students and staff members at possible risk of exposure. No cases of widespread exposure to the virus have occurred at the Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College during the autumn.

Campuses will remain open and contact teaching will be arranged

The Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College will continue with the learning solution outlined and announced earlier in the autumn. Accordingly, both our campuses will remain open and contact teaching will be arranged in accordance with the safety guidelines and recommendations. The share of learning done via iPerho has significantly increased during October. Each subject area will also issue instructions on the degree courses suitable for distance learning, and practical studies done via our online campus.

A preliminary equipment survey for students in week 43

We will carry out a preliminary equipment survey for students in week 43, based on which we will fine-tune our plans in anticipation of a possible return to distance learning. The survey will be sent to students as a message via Wilma and must be answered promptly, no later than Friday 23 October. We recommend that you ensure that your home is equipped for home-based studying. We will provide separate information on a possible transition to distance learning.

Where possible, we aim to schedule our contact teaching so as to avoid the use of crowded public transport by students and staff (by scheduling contact teaching hours on a phased basis between 10am and 2pm). Staggering of mealtimes and the possibility of eating in classes will also continue on both campuses, in order to avoid crowding at lunchtime.

We strongly recommend the use of a face mask

We strongly recommend the use of a face mask to everyone moving about in the public indoor areas (corridors and lobbies) of Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College, as many other students also use those facilities. We understand that it may be difficult to use a face mask during teaching conducted in the group’s own classroom or another working facility, but using a mask is nevertheless recommended. It is important to comply with the current recommendation to use a face mask when travelling on trains, buses, or other modes of public transport to school/home and other places. In the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, the recommendation also applies to crowded public spaces (e.g. shops and libraries) in general.

Students must acquire face masks for themselves. A wide range of face masks is available in shops and municipalities have mask distribution points for people who lack the financial means to buy masks. The authorities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area have not so far issued any new, regional guidelines or recommendations on vocational education and training since the press conference held by the Government on 15 October. On 15 October, the Southern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency issued guidelines restricting public events to a maximum of 20 people. Naturally, we will follow these guidelines. In addition, we are continuously monitoring the development of the situation and changes in the guidelines and recommendations.

Together, we take responsibility for the safety of the Perho school community and the prevention of the spread of the disease. Please also exercise caution and follow the COVID-19 guidelines in connection with hobbies and other activities outside the school. We want to continuously improve the safety of Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College in these rapidly changing conditions. If you have a suggestion or idea for the improvement of our common safety, do not hesitate to share it with us.

Topical information on the COVID-19 situation and guidelines of Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College – for further details, contact