12/03/2020 | It is the task of all of us to contain infection routes and prevent new infections. The coughing-sneezing etiquette and frequent, thorough hand-washing are two essential principles of conduct. Keeping physical distance, maintaining hygenie and wearing masks when close to others are equally important.
The virus is excreted at a very early stage and is very easily transmitted by droplet infection, which can be avoided. It is the task of all of us to contain infection routes and prevent new infections.
How can I stay up-to-date?
We ask you to keep up-to-date with the latest information via relevant websites (see box).
In case of uncertainties about an infection or the measures to be taken, special advice is given by the hotline of the Federal Ministry of Health on Tel: 030 - 346 465 100.
In the state of Bremen you can obtain information about the corona virus by calling Tel: 0421 - 115. In addition, continuous information is provided on the website of the Bremen Senator for Health Women and Consumer Protection as well as the Department of Public Health Bremen (Gesundheitsamt Bremen).
Special Email for ZMT Staff
To reach the directors, the head of the administration, and the persons who are in charge of the formal and organisational matters of home office, special leave, sick leave, official contact points etc. in one email, we have installed the new email address
27 January 2023
It has been a while since the last Corona update, but this Corona update is the last - probably.
Politicians and German health experts consider Corona as having no further pandemic impact. The lifting of the isolation obligation and the mask obligation in public transport were already decided last week, now the Bremen Senate lifts all state law measures with effect 2 February.
However we may refer to Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte: "If the pandemic now becomes an endemic, however, the virus has not disappeared. It remains a medical and social, but controllable reality. Just like other infectious diseases."
We appeal to the common sense of all employees: If you are sick, take care not to infect others and stay at home. Also in case of lighter infections, it is helpful to reduce contacts and continue to wear a mask.
Viele Grüße and all our best regards,
Prof. Dr. Raimund Bleischwitz und Dr. Nicolas Dittert, ZMT Managing Directors
3 November 2022
ZMT staff should remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidlines set out in the update from March 25 2022.
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Adminstrative Director
25 March 2022 | UPDATE |Cotona Regulations
As of 02.04.2022, fundamental changes regarding Corona will come into force, the most important ones we mention here.
Even if the legal obligation to wear a mask is dropped in principle, the ZMT procedure is that the obligation to wear a mask remains in common circulation areas (corridors/stairwells, seminar rooms, toilets)! In shared work spaces, consideration is pleaded for.
The obligation to collect the status of vaccinated/recovered persons will be dropped without replacement.
We continue to support mobile working both internally and externally. Those who can work at home are asked to implement this to an appropriate extent. Those who wish to use vacant offices internally are invited to do so in appropriate consultation.
For meetings of working group size, too, the participants should agree in advance whether they are to take place in person, hybrid or virtual and whether masks are to be worn at the location. Of course, consideration is given to the possibly different needs of those present and, in case of doubt, the lower-risk variant is chosen.
Hygiene and occupational safety measures should be a matter of course by now.
These largely soft rules require joint disciplined behaviour for the protection of all, precisely because the legal framework has been
greatly relaxed.
We wish all families: stay healthy! We wish all those affected the mildest possible course and a speedy recovery! At the same time, we ask everyone to be more attentive.
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Adminstrative Director
16 March 2022 | UPDATE |
The relief measures decided by the federal government and the Senate as of 20 March have been suspended. Everything remains as it is.
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Adminstrative Director
15 February 2022 | UPDATE | Office and travel situation
Office situation
Employees are free to work in presence at the ZMT. Those who prefer mobile working ("home office") are actively invited to do so.
Those who work in presence at ZMT shall, if possible, work alone in the office.
Those who work in presence at ZMT shall respect the occupational health and safety guidelines and hygiene rules that have been communicated for a long time *.
Please mark your presence at the ZMT in your personal record of working hours.
We rely on intrinsically motivated responsibility to protect everyone from Corona. Please be considerate and liaise with colleagues as appropriate.
Travel situation
The highly diverse travel requests, travel times and travel destinations are difficult to squeeze into a small set of rules. Therefore, we ask you to postpone travel whenever possible. Travel decisions will remain case-based. We don’t recommend convening or hosting meetings with external guests here. Travel might be supported if the local situation in the destination makes it feasible, if travel is safe (including return), and if postponing is hardly an option. We count on your won risk assessment and responsibility; be informed that German health insurance may not fully cover costs if needed.
Stay healthy and all our best regards!
Prof. Dr. Raimund Bleischwitz und Dr. Nicolas Dittert, ZMT Managing Directors
24 January 2022 | UPDATE | Neuerungen Rundschreiben A-6/2022 "SARS-CoV-2 (Corona-Virus)"
Today we've received the information that the Senator for Finance communicates all "news" in his update of Circular A-6/2022 "SARS-CoV-2 (Corona virus)" - here: highlighted in yellow, German language only.
Best regards,
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Adminstrative Director
25 November 2021 | UPDATE | Current measures at ZMT
The measures we have applied so far for corona containment has proven itself and is not to be changed in essence.
However, as an employer we are now subject to an increased documentation obligation. In order to comply with this documentation obligation in the best possible way, the ZMT has decided on the following procedure:
Those who can work at home must do so.
Those who have to come to the ZMT can do so.
Anyone who comes to the ZMT is vaccinated, recovered or tested on a daily basis and provides proof of this.
Anyone entering a building of the ZMT logs in with the app "Gast-Bremen" and the displayed QR code when entering and logs out when leaving (please log in separately for each building): https://gast-bremen.de/
Attendance is organised at work group level.
The laboratories continue their internal attendance documentation in the established form.
The measure is effective immediately and until further notice.
All our best regards,
Dr. Werner Ekau and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, ZMT Managing Directors
24 November 2021 | UPDATE | Current measures at ZMT and obligation to work from home
We have just received the relevant letter from the authorities (here in German language):
The federal legislator has not extended the declaration of an epidemic situation of national scope. However, the Bundestag and Bundesrat have passed far-reaching amendments to the Vaccination Protection Act.
Only those who are recovered, vaccinated or tested may enter workplaces.
If the employer has checked the valid proof of vaccination or convalescence once and documented this check, employees can subsequently be exempted from daily access checks.
Current test evidence from non-vaccinated or non-convalescent workers must be presented daily. Self-testing is not sufficient and cannot be accepted as test evidence under the 3G scheme.
The federal legislature has reintroduced the obligation to work from home if there are no compelling operational reasons to the contrary. Employees must accept this offer. Employees who are unable to
employees who are unable to perform their work at home must inform the employer in written form.
The measures described above shall apply with immediate effect and until the end of 19 March 2022.
IMPLEMENTATION:
- all ZMT employees shall submit their valid vaccination or convalescent certificate as soon as possible and no later than 12 noon tomorrow. The digital certificate will be sent to the Head of Human Resources (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Alternatively, the vaccination book must be presented in person by appointment. - all ZMT employees shall work in home office if there are no compelling operational reasons to the contrary.
- anyone who has to work at ZMT for compelling operational reasons and is unable to present a valid vaccination or convalescence certificate shall present a current test certificate in person to the management daily before starting work.
- organisation of work matters shall be at work group level.
Falsification of documents will be brought to criminal charges. Violations have consequences under labour law.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
Best regards,
Dr. Werner Ekau and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, ZMT Managing Directors
13 October 2021 | | UPDATE | New rules at ZMT and other measures
Due to the widespread willingness to be vaccinated, we would like to propose the following measures:
Principle: All those who voluntarily prove that they are recovered or vaccinated can work in their office without restrictions (2G rule).
Nota bene 1: The proof is presented to the working group/project leaders and is neither recorded digitally nor in the personnel file.
Nota bene 2: BMAS and hygiene rules (distance, mask, etc.) continue to apply in all common areas.
Nota bene 3: Offices should - as far as available - be in single use. If - for whatever reason - offices are occupied with more than one person, it is up to these colleagues to regulate the modalities of cooperation in a
joint agreement.
Nota bene 4: The mask requirement MAY be waived if working groups meet in which all colleagues are vaccinated or have recovered. It is up to these colleagues to agree on the modalities of the meeting.
Nota bene 5: Employees who are medically certified to be unable to be vaccinated shall consult with management to find the best possible solution appropriate to the situation. Employees who are not vaccinated
for other reasons must test themselves/be tested at least twice a week.
Nota bene 6: Since the possibility of free so-called citizens' tests was abolished for many employees on Monday, ZMT offers self-tests to its working groups. This is organised by the work group leaders.
Since a high vaccination rate is essential for a safe presence at the institute, we would like to ask those who have not yet been vaccinated to take advantage of the offer on the campus of the University of Bremen: On
Monday, 18 and Tuesday, 19 October from 11 am to 6 pm, a vaccination mobile will be available in the central area with Biontech and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
In addition, the 30th update of Senator of Finance Circular 5/2020 number 03l/2021 dated 04/10/2021 "Guidance on labour and employment issues related to the Corona virus" is applicable.
We continue to count on responsibility and discipline.
Viele Grüße and all our best regards,
Dr. Werner Ekau and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, ZMT Managing Directors
15 September 2021 | UPDATE | 29th update on advice on employment and service law issues in relation to the Corona virus
The Senator for Finance has provided us with the 29th update on advice on employment and service law issues in relation to the Corona virus (see here in German language)
1) The amended Corona ArbSchV (here in German language) came into force on 10 September 2021 and will apply until the date on which the German Bundestag repeals the declaration of the epidemic situation of national significance in accordance with section 5(1) sentence 2 of the Infection Protection Act, but at the latest until the end of 24 November 2021. https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/dfEbdxYWIRMmmt7bn5z/content/dfEbdxYWIRMmmt7bn5z/BAnz%20AT%2009.09.2021%20V1.pdf?inline
2) With effect from 10 September 2021, employers may take into account a vaccination or recovery status of employees known to them when determining and implementing workplace infection control measures.
3) In addition, employees are also to be informed by employers about the health risk posed by the coronavirus and about the possibility of protective vaccination as part of the instruction provided under occupational health and safety law (here in German language). For this purpose, the Centre for Healthy Work has prepared an information letter, which can be obtained via the following link https://www.performanord.org/sixcms/media.php/13/Infoblatt-Unterweisung_SARS-CoV-2.pdf
4) In order to be able to make flexible and full use of the time slots of vaccination centres, doctors' surgeries and other facilities, employers must now allow employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus even
during working hours.
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
8 September 2021 | UPDATE | Continuation of an epidemic situation of national importance
In its circulars No. A-59/2021 "Continuation of an epidemic situation of national importance" (Municipal Employers' Association)
and
No. 03j/2021"Notes on questions of labour and service law in connection with the Corona virus" (Senator for Finance) it is stated
- here in all due brevity:
"The identified epidemic situation of national scope therefore applies up to and including 24 November 2021."
All my best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
30 June 2021 | UPDATE | Home Office / Mobile Work
We have just received the Senator for Finance's Circular No. 3h/2021 dated 29 June 2021 (in German).
In brief summary:
The federal legislature has extended the declaration of an epidemic situation of national importance by a further three months until 30.09.2021.
As of 01.07.2021, the obligation for employers to offer their employees to perform work from home will cease. The regulations on contact reduction at work do not establish a right to an offer to work from home. It is nevertheless strongly recommended and requested that the possibilities of mobile working and the use of the available technical means continue to be used consistently and that contacts in the offices be limited to the necessary level for the time being until 1 September 2021
Best regards
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
21 June 2021 | UPDATE | 27th Corona Ordinance
I have just received the news from the Senate that as of today the Twenty-Seventh Ordinance for the Protection against New Infections with the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is in force.
There are no fundamental changes or even relief for the ZMT.
The following still applies:
"In order to reduce the occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, the employer shall offer employees, unless they work exclusively in their home, a test with regard to direct pathogen detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at least twice per calendar week." Fully vaccinated persons are exempt from the testing requirement.
The following still applies:
- Keep distance;
- Observe hygiene;
- wear a medical mask in all common areas;
- Individual office use;
- airing;
- no coffee and chit-chat.
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
14 June 2021 | UPDATE | Obligation to wear masks outside and at ZMT
The obligation to wear masks outdoors is lifted in the city of Bremen as of today (14 June 2021). This was agreed by the Senate on Tuesday (7 June, 2021).
We support this decision. This means that masks no longer have to be worn outdoors on ZMT grounds or on the university campus.
The distance requirement of 1.5 metres must still be observed everywhere. For the buildings, the previous rules remain in place. The obligation to wear a medical mask continues to apply there.
Our best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director, and Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director
19 May 2021 | UPDATE | Corona rules at ZMT
We received from the states' authorities, hot off the press, the Twenty-Sixth Regulation for Protection against New Infections with the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (download here - PDF in German).
(1) With effect from 21 May employees may return to ZMT.
(2) The testing requirement of the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance continues to apply:
"In order to reduce the occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the employer shall offer employees, unless they work exclusively in their home, a test at least twice per calendar week in relation to direct pathogen detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus." §5 Para. 1 Only those who can present a negative corona test may enter the ZMT. Fully vaccinated persons are exempt from the testing requirement.
(3) The following still applies:
"In order to reduce the occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, the employer shall offer employees, unless they work exclusively in their home, a test with regard to direct pathogen detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at least twice per calendar week." Fully vaccinated persons are exempt from the testing requirement.
-> https://termine.coronatest-uni-bremen.de/
(4) The following still applies:
- Keep distance;
- Observe hygiene;
- wear a medical mask in all common areas;
- Individual office use;
- airing;
- no coffee and chit-chat.
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director, and Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director
7 May 2021 | UPDATE |Corona rules at ZMT
With the amendment of the Infection Protection Act () and the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance (*) of 22.04.2021, we must also adapt our rules at ZMT. If the rki incidence exceeds the threshold of 100, the following applies:
ZMT "shall offer employees in the case of office work or comparable activities to carry out these activities in their homes if there are no compelling operational reasons to the contrary. The employees shall accept this offer unless there are compelling reasons for them not to do so." §Section 28b, subsection 7
- employees shall only be allowed to come to ZMT in urgent emergencies.
- the organisation and documentation of attendance at ZMT shall be the responsibility of the AGL / IGL. They inform
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of the expected (for the next 14 days) necessary stays of their AG members (no names, only numbers) in order to keep an approximate overview of the total presence at ZMT.
Due to a renewed amendment of the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance on 22 April 2021, the following applies: "In order to reduce the occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, the employer shall offer employees, unless they work exclusively in their home, a test with regard to direct pathogen detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at least twice per calendar week." §5 Para. 1 Only those who can present a negative corona test may enter the ZMT. Fully vaccinated persons are exempt from the testing requirement.
- a. ZMT shall offer all employees the opportunity to avail themselves of the free citizenship test (*) at the campus or other easily accessible centres during working hours.
- b. Those who are unable to get a test appointment despite trying to book in time will be given a self-test by the AGL / IGL.
Of course, the following still applies:
- Keep distance;
- Observe hygiene;
- wear a medical mask in all common areas;
- Individual office use;
- airing;
- no coffee and chit-chat.
- please also see document "General Rules at ZMT"
We hope for a speedy vaccination strategy and a resulting normalisation of life! This regulation is valid from 10 May and until 30 June 2021.
With the above-mentioned regulation, we aim to support the preservation of your health on the one hand and your ability to work as far as possible within the legal framework on the other.
Stay healthy!
Take care of yourself!
Stay confident!
Thank you very much for your support!
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director, and Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director
20 April 2021 | UPDATE | Information on Corona tests at ZMT
On 13 April 2021, the Federal Cabinet adopted the Second Ordinance amending the SARS-CoV2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance. This will expire when the epidemic situation of national scope is lifted by the Bundestag, but no later than 30 June 2021.
The amending ordinance provides for an obligation of all employers to offer at least one test per calendar week for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to their employees, unless they are employed exclusively in home office. Employees who have an increased risk of infection due to their work (e.g. frequent contact with people) must be offered at least two tests per calendar week. The SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance does not impose an obligation on employees to accept the offer.
As already communicated, ALL employees of the ZMT can be tested for the coronavirus at the Corona Test Centre in Enrique-Schmidt-Straße 1b, 28359 Bremen.
Employees who have frequent contact with people should let us know so that we can start negotiations with the test centre.
After consultation with the company doctor, he will also be allowed to vaccinate "in the near future", but this seems to depend on the availability of vaccine.
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
7 April 2021 | UPDATE | Testing centres on campus and in Bremen
Although there are again major political waves around the issue of COVID-19, there does not seem to be any action that acutely causes the ZMT to deviate from its path.
On 18 March, we informed that ZMT is promoting the possibility of getting tested for/against coronavirus once a week free of charge with rapid antigen tests by allowing the corresponding official leave during working hours as part of the duty roster.
You can get tested at the test station of the UNiversity of Bremen by arranging a date here: https://termine.coronatest-uni-bremen.de/
From 9 April, in cooperation with the Johanniter, there will be another Corona test centre in Bremen very close to us: right next to the University, the Sparkasse and the Aldi market in Enrique-Schmidt-Straße 1b, 28359 Bremen.
An overview of the test centres in Bremen and umzu is published in the Weser-Kurier: https://www.weser-kurier.de/bremen/bremen-stadt_artikel,-wo-sie-sich-in-bremen-kostenlos-testen-lassen-koennen-_arid,1958819.html
Stay healthy! Stay confident! Take care of yourselves! Thank you very much for your support!
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
18 March 2021 | UPDATE | Extension of the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance
In its First Ordinance amending the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen refers in its circular number A-16/2021 of 17 March 2021 to the fact that the Federal Cabinet decided on 10 March 2021 to extend the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance up to and including 30 April 2021. The decisions from the video conference of the Federal Chancellor with the heads of government of the Länder on 3 March 2021 already provided for an extension. The Amendment Ordinance was published in the Federal Gazette on 12 March 2021 and entered into force on 13 March 2021.
This amending ordinance does not result in any need for changes for ZMT. The occupational safety rule, hygiene concept and medical face masks named in this ordinance have already been communicated several times.
The ZMT promotes the possibility of being tested for the coronavirus once a week free of charge with rapid antigen tests (*) by allowing the corresponding official leave of absence during working hours as part of the short business trip in the city of Bremen.
However, business trips to places outsideof Bremen must be looked at and dealt with separately and in each individual case!
None of this changes the fact: The pandemic situation continues to be dynamic, and we cannot forecast its development. We will keep you informed of any further developments in a timely manner.
Stay confident! Stay healthy! Thank you very much for your support! Take care of yourselves!
Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
26 January 2021 | UPDATE | Third lockdown
In its 19th update of the "Notes on labour and service law issues in connection with the Corona virus", the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen refers in its circular number 03a/2021 of 22.01.2021 to the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance (Corona-ArbSchV) of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs beyond the steps already implemented at the ZMT as follows:
"Departments which, due to operational requirements, cannot enable employees to perform their work from home shall ensure strict compliance with the distance requirements. At least 10 m² of space should be available per employee. If there are more than ten employees, the departments shall form small working groups. If the distance rules cannot be observed, the departments must provide medical face masks, which must then also be worn.
The regulation will come into force five days after its promulgation - probably on 27 January 2021 - and will initially apply for a limited period until the end of 15 March 2021."
Even though we are not a department sensu strictu, we receive our allowance from the State of Bremen and as such are obliged to implement it.
The working group learders (AGL / IGL) are still responsible for the implementation of the home office and the organisation of the rooms at the ZMT.
We have ordered and already received the medical face masks in the form of ffp2 masks.
The pandemic situation continues to be dynamic, and we cannot forecast its development today. We will keep you informed of any further developments in a timely manner.
Stay confident!
Stay healthy!
Thank you very much for your support!
Take care of yourselves!
Best wishes,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
16 January 2021 | UPDATE | Children sick leave allowance and internal ZMT distribution list parents@leibniz-zmt
"In order to better support parents during the Corona period, the entitlement to children's sick days is to be doubled and extended. The Bundestag has now cleared the way for this."
https://www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/aktuelles/alle-meldungen/kinderkrankengeld-wird-ausgeweitet/164738
Since some regulations have different effects for our employees residing in Bremen, Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein due to the cultural sovereignty of the States, and sometimes national law tops States' law, the confusion is understandably not insignificant.
Therefore we have set up an internal ZMT email distribution list where parents at the ZMT can inform each other and exchange information:
Registration is done via ZIMBRA: https://webmail.leibniz-zmt.de/?_task=login
->Contacts ->Distribution lists-> Search: parents ->Subscribe
This is a non-moderated list.
Stay healthy! Best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
11 January 2021 | UPDATE | Rules at ZMT
The new, stricter Corona rules differ in part in Bremen from those in Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. Since this can have a considerable impact in the private sector, ZMT will continue to discuss and facilitate individual case arrangements as needed.
We will not be closing the ZMT at this time.
Precisely for this reason, we would like to draw greater attention to compliance with the applicable regulations:
(1) those who CAN work at home, work from home;
(2) who works at the ZMT takes into account the BMAS Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines:
- Keep your distance;
- Observe hygiene;
- there is an OBLIGATION to wear MUND-NASEN-SCHUTZ in all common areas. This includes, in particular, the hallways, stairwells and corridors, as well as sanitary rooms. It does not matter whether this protection is made of fabric, transparent PVC, etc;
(3) rooms smaller than 20 m2 are to be used as individual offices, even if they are equipped for several people;
(4) Ventilate the room in which you work regularly and frequently.
It is up to us whether the chain of infection at ZMT, which has been successfully interrupted so far, will continue to be interrupted. Therefore, no one will linger at the ZMT longer than necessary.
As soon as new decisions have to be made, we will inform you.
All the best!
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director, and Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director
14 December 2020 | UPDATE | Rules at ZMT
The German government has decided on a national lock-down. The effects in the individual federal states (e.g. curfew) are not uniform.
We will not be closing the ZMT at this time.
Precisely for this reason, we would like to draw greater attention to compliance with the applicable regulations:
(1) those who can work at home, work from home;
(2) those who work at ZMT take into account the BMAS Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines:
- Keep your distance;
- Observe hygiene;
- there is an OBLIGATION to wear MUND-NASEN-SCHUTZ in all common areas. This includes, in particular, the hallways, stairwells and corridors, as well as sanitary rooms. It does not matter whether this protection is made of fabric, transparent PVC, etc;
(3) rooms smaller than 20 square metres are to be used as individual offices, even if they are equipped for several people;
(4) ventilate the room in which you work regularly and frequently.
It is up to us whether the chain of infection at ZMT, which has been successfully interrupted so far, will continue to be interrupted. Therefore, no one will stay at ZMT any longer than necessary.
As soon as new decisions have to be made, we will inform you.
All the best!
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director, and Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director
27 November 2020 | UPDATE | Rules at ZMT
As detailed in the press, infection rates are very high locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Therefore, we at the ZMT continue to adhere to the rules that have been communicated several times.
This includes the DUTY to wear a MOUTH-NOSE PROTECTION on all communally used areas. That is in particular the corridors, staircases and corridors as well as sanitary facilities. It does not matter whether this protection is made of fabric, transparent PVC, etc.
CORONA WALK-IN test centre
Recently, a corona test centre was opened at the Bremen Medical Care Center. There, patients can be tested without registration. Patients with a referral from their family doctor (symptomatic patients) are tested there free of charge. The Corona walk-in test centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 18:00. https://corona-walk-in.de/#block2286
Best wishes, a nice weekend and a happy first Advent!
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
10 November 2020 | UPDATE | Returning and entering travellers
Since the RKI describes a CORONA incubation period at 10-14 days, we proceed as follows until further notice:
Whoever enters from a risk area will be quarantined for ten days.
Only those who have been tested "negative" AND have not developed any symptoms after these ten days will be admitted to the ZMT.
In case of doubt, the test result described by bremen.de does not allow any statement about a potential disease after five days.
Best regards and best health!
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
-----
"Wer aus einem Gebiet einreist, das das Robert-Koch-Institut als Risikogebiet ausweist, muss sich für zehn Tage in Quarantäne begeben. Alle Einreisenden aus Risikogebieten müssen sich unter www.einreiseanmeldung.de registrieren und sich direkt nach Einreise in häusliche Quarantäne begeben. Eine Testung ist frühestens nach fünf Tagen möglich und kann in der Corona-Ambulanz Messe oder in der Corona Zielpraxis Bremerhaven vorgenommen werden. Nur mit einem negativen Testergebnis nach fünf Tagen kann die Quarantäne frühzeitig beendet werden."
"Anyone entering from an area that the Robert Koch Institute has designated as a risk area must go into quarantine for ten days. All those entering from risk areas must register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de and enter domestic quarantine immediately after entry. Testing is possible after five days at the earliest and can be carried out at the Corona-Ambulanz Messe or at the Corona Zielpraxis Bremerhaven. Only with a negative test result after five days the quarantine can be ended early". (https://www.bremen.de/corona#inzidenz-aktuell)
-----
"The incubation period indicates the time from infection to the beginning of the disease. The mean incubation time (median) is given in most studies with 5-6 days. In various studies, it was calculated at what time 95% of those infected had developed symptoms, with the 95th percentile of the incubation time being 10-14 days (50-56).". (https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Steckbrief.html#doc13776792bodyText5)
30 October 2020 | UPDATE | Incidence Value far exceeding 50 | Reminder of rules and regulations
Bremen has far exceeded the incidence value of 50, so there are a number of consequences for general life which can be read and followed here: https://www.bremen.eu/corona
On the campus of the University of Bremen there are rules which we as users of the campus have to follow: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/information-on-the-corona-pandemic
The measures taken at the ZMT are communicated regularly and continue to apply:
- in principle, the distance rule of 1.50 m applies;
- in principle, masks must be worn in all corridors, stairs, toilets, etc.
- ventilation must be provided regularly. Coffee rounds and Klönschnack are no longer up to date (see regulations on this page).
Best regards and stay healthy!
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
9 October 2020 | UPDATE | Rules as Bremen is declared risk area, Senator of Finance Circular
Bremen is now a risk area.
I am really thankful to everyone who has behaved in such a disciplined manner over the past weeks and months!
All rules continue to apply:
(1) Comply with the BMAS Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines:
- Keep your distance;
- Observe hygiene;
- Wear an everyday mask (mouth and nose cover).
(2) Aerate the room in which you work regularly and frequently.
(3) If you do not have to travel, do not travel. Domestic and foreign travel restrictions must be observed.
(4) (new) To counteract the now increased risk of infection: From now on wear an everyday mask (mouth and nose cover) in the corridors and stairs as well as in toilets and elevators.
(5) Official circular no. A-46/2020 "SARS-CoV-2 (Corona virus); Senator of Finance circular no. 5m/2020 of 8 October 2020
The new or updated passages are highlighted in yellow:
- Obligation to wear a mouth-nose cover, page 2
- Travel return from risk areas, page 4
- Withdrawal of rest leave in case of quarantine ordered by doctors or
states' authorities, page 8
Best regards and stay healthy!
Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
6 October 2020 | UPDATE | Ventilation of rooms
The Federal Government advises ventilation in line with infection control.
According to § 4 No. 1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the aim is to prevent or minimise health hazards from SARS-CoV-2 infections as far as possible through proper ventilation of building interiors.
A meeting room should be ventilated in principle every 20 minutes for 3 minutes in winter, 5 minutes in spring/autumn and 10 minutes in summer. The Federal Environment Agency also recommends additional ventilation after sneezing, coughing or the like.
All my best regards,
Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
18 September 2020 | UPDATE | SARS-CoV-2 Health and Safety Regulations, legal assessment by the State of Bremen
Three weeks ago we announced a legal assessment of the state of Bremen regarding COVID/Corona. These are updated regularly by the state. As you can or have learned from different sources (e.g. RKI website), the situation of new infections has worsened. Today you will receive the 12th update from September 18, 2020 with adapted rules of conduct. The changes are marked yellow.
All information has to be considered.
Some aspects are summarized here in extracts and partly very shortened. The complete document should be heeded.
"A person who [...] has had [...] close contact [...] with an infected person [...] is [...] forbidden [...] to leave her/his home or the institution in which s/he lives or to receive visits from persons who do not belong to her/his household during this time, unless the responsible health authority gives its consent to deviating behavior.
"Persons who [...] enter the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen from abroad and who have stayed in a risk area at any time within 14 days prior to entry are obliged to go directly to their own home or other suitable accommodation immediately after entry and to keep themselves constantly secluded there for a period of 14 days after entry, unless the competent public health authority gives its consent to deviating behaviour; this also applies to persons who have first entered another country of the Federal Republic of Germany. The [...] named persons are not permitted to receive visits from persons who do not belong to their household during this period. [...]"
"The persons [...] named are obliged to contact the competent local police authority in the municipality of Bremen and the competent public health department in the municipality of Bremerhaven without delay and to point out the existence of the aforementioned prerequisites. Furthermore, the persons recorded are obliged to contact a doctor immediately if symptoms occur which indicate an illness with Covid-19 [...].
"Employees [...] are [...] also obliged to perform their work during quarantine.
"If employees return late from vacation due to the Corona pandemic, [...] employees are referred to the right to claim vacation or leisure time compensation.
"In order to avoid the transmission of the corona virus as far as possible, the respective departments should always select the rooms for discussion rounds in such a way that they allow the participants to sit at the required distance from each other.
If you have questions, please feel free to inquire.
Best regards, stay healthy!
Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
27 August 2020 | UPDATE |Information on labour and civil service law issues related to the corona virus, legal assessment by the State of Bremen
Two weeks ago we announced the new SARS-CoV-2 health and safety regulations. Today we receive a legal assessment by the State of Bremen, which we summarize for you in the text below and can be found here in the original.
"In summary, it can be said that the SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety rules do not contain any major surprises. On the contrary, it can be seen that this occupational safety rule is a concretisation of the topics that have been discussed in the press to date. It can be seen that the keeping physcial distance, ventilation and hygiene are mentioned in particular.
"The communication of rules of conduct is given great attention in the new occupational safety rule. These include, for example, keeping distance, avoiding shaking hands and the coughing-sneezing etiquette. In addition, the following basic protective measures are also included:
- Reduction of personal contacts, e.g. through remote communication, rolling fixed teams and home office
- New arrangement of workstations with sufficient distance between employees
- the risk of infection should be avoided by frequent and intensive ventilation
- Maintaining the safety distance by barriers and partitions
- Marking of safe traffic routes through floor markings
- Sufficient hand washing and hand disinfection stations as well as more frequent cleaning of surfaces than before."
If you have questions, please feel free to inquire.
Best regards and stay healthy!
Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
14 August 2020 | UPDATE | Continuation of Restricted Regular Operation
The development of the corona pandemic is interpreted very differently. At the same time, the number of infected persons is rising again, and in Germany we have again reached the level of May 2020. In some countries the number of infected persons is alarming, while others are virtually free of infection.
In the meeting of the department leaders yesterday, we therefore decided to stick to our current concept.
As a reminder:
(1-a) those who can work at home, work from home;
(1-b) those who have to work at ZMT work at ZMT - the reasons for this are subject to personal consideration only;
(2-a) the presence at ZMT has to be documented - the responsibility for office stays is borne by the heads of the working groups;
(2-b) the work in the laboratories has to be documented by the laboratory managers;
(3-a) those who do not have to travel, do not travel;
(3-b) those who have to travel must ensure with their business trip application that, according to the criteria of the Federal Foreign Office and the RKI, neither the destination or the destination region nor any stopover is subject to travel restrictions or travel bans;
(4) the BMAS occupational health and safety guidelines and the hygiene regulations shall be respected and implemented in every area of duty.
If you have further questions: anytime!
Best regards, stay healthy and have a nice weekend!
Dr. Werner Ekau, Acting Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicholas Dittert, Managing Director
16 June 2020 | UPDATE | Restricted Regular Operation
On the basis of the 9th update of the Circular of the Senator of Finance No. 5 i/2020 dated 11.06.2020 (https://www.transparenz.bremen.de/rundschreiben-72745), we have asked the Senator of Science and Ports, Department 22, for approval for restricted regular operation.
This release is now available and contains the following rules:
- All those who can work at home will do so.
- All those who have to come to ZMT will do so under clearly regulated conditions:
(1) who is at ZMT ensures that the chain of infection at ZMT, which has been successfully interrupted up to now, remains interrupted. Therefore, nobody stays at the ZMT longer than necessary;
(2) Being alone on the premises of ZMT is a source of danger that should not be neglected. Therefore, each person coming to ZMT informs a trusted person about the expected retention time;
(3) who is at ZMT must comply with the SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety standards (https://www.bmas.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/PDF-Schwerpunkte/sars-cov-2-arbeitsschutzstandard-en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2);
(4) Rooms smaller than 20 m2 shall be used as individual offices, even if they are equipped for several persons;
(5) Those who are at ZMT follow the hygiene guidelines, especially if a room is used in shift operation (Appendix 1);
(6) the organisation of the room allocation takes place at the level of the working group leaders. They are also responsible for compliance with the rules. At the same time, self-awareness is required.
All our best regards and stay healthy!
Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
15 June 2020 | UPDATE | Travel
On the basis of the 9th update of the circular letter of the Senator of Finance number 5 i/2020 dated 11.06.2020 (https://www.transparenz.bremen.de/rundschreiben-72745) as well as the partial lifting of the travel warning by the Federal Government, we have asked the Senator for Science and Ports, Department 22, for clearance for business trips.
This release is now available and contains the following rules:
(0) This regulation serves to protect all employees at ZMT and is intended to ensure as far as possible that the chain of infection at ZMT, which has been successfully interrupted up to now, remains interrupted. We ask all employees to treat their own health and the health of others responsibly and ask them to make a prudent decision as to whether travel is unavoidable at this time.
(1) Those who DO NOT HAVE TO travel do not travel.
(2) Travel shall only be approved if it is unavoidable and necessary to maintain the functionality of ZMT.
(3) Travel will only be approved if there is no travel warning from the Federal Foreign Office or the Robert Koch Institute. Travel warnings shall be deemed travel prohibitions. This applies to all travel sections between the start and end of the travel. Travellers shall provide complete proof of the possibility of carrying out the travel BEFORE commencing the business trip independently and in writing.
(4) Anyone who undertakes a private trip to a risk area must inform the immediate work area and supervisors.
(5) During business trips as well as private trips, quarantine regulations are to be followed regardless of travel warnings.
All our best regards,
Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
4 June 2020 | UPDATE | Extended partial lockdown until 30.6.2020
In close consultation with the Bremen Senator for Science and Ports (Division 22 - Science Planning and Research Promotion), ZMT will continue the partial lockdown until 30.6.2020.
The following units of the ZMT have received approval from Divison 22 for extended emergency operation:
- Electronics Workshop
- Mechanical Workshop
- Facility Management
1 May 2020| UPDATE Extended partial lockdown
In response to our explicit request to the Bremen Senator for Science and Ports (Division 22 - Science Planning and Research Promotion) we have now received approval for an extended emergency operation:
As of May 4, 2020, four laboratories of the research infrastructure can switch to extended emergency operation:
- The biology laboratory
- The chemical laboratory
- The Geolab
- The Marine Experimental Ecology (MAREE)
Laboratory staff will process/measure/etc. samples that scientists need to bring their work to a qualifying completion. This applies to students (Bachelor, Master), doctoral students but also post-docs.
Scientists still work in home office.
As an end of the corona pandemic is not in sight, we can provide scientists with the measurement results of their samples under controlled conditions in a time-prioritized procedure to help them complete final papers, reports, etc. in time.
The extended partial lockdown is to apply from 04 May 2020 and provisionally until 31 May 2020.
All our best regards and stay healthy!
Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
20 April 2020 | UPDATE | Corona Restrictions at ZMT
The German Chancellor, together with the Ministers of the Länder, decided on Wednesday (15 April 2020) to relax the corona restrictions. These decisions will of course also have an impact on ZMT.
For the time being, nothing will change in the basic regulation: ZMT will remain in emergency operation until 3 May 2020 inclusive.
Business trips to Germany and abroad will still not be permitted.
If you intend to cancel a vacation that has already been applied for and approved, we would like to draw your attention to the corresponding regulation of the Senator of Finance: Cancellation of already approved vacation is – as a general rule – not possible at this time. If you have any questions, please contact Tino Eichler.
We ask all group leaders (WGL / IGL) to offer employees the opportunity to massively reduce overtime hours over the next two weeks and to organise the work accordingly.
At the same time, the legal ordinance on protection against new infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Corona Ordinance) of 17 April 2020 of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen applies.
Under strict conditions, the possibility of a presence at the ZMT will be gradually created, probably from 4 May onwards. This step will be implemented with all due caution, as the protection of health remains the top priority.
In the coming week, we, the Directorate, will be discussing with the heads of departments and the works council how to implement the new provisions at the ZMT in practice. It can already be said that access to the buildings of the ZMT will not be generally permitted, but will continue to be very limited. The relevant distance and hygiene regulations must still be observed. Our primary objectives remain the containment of the pandemic and the best possible organisation of operations at the ZMT under the respective circumstances.
We know that for many of you, this time is associated with great challenges.
Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
I. Emergency Mode for Research Institutes and Universities
II. Instruction to move to Home Office
The following applies to ZMT (staff, scholarship holders, guests, participants of congresses and conferences etc.):
From Tuesday 16/3/2020, Home Office is the regular working mode. Everybody works from home office, and exceptions are only the persons who are needed for vitally important tasks in the institute. Present will be some staff members from the administration (purchase, finances, human resources), MAREE, and house maintenance. Normal working hours etc. apply to home office, only the place of work is shifted to home during this time.
(3) Emergency staffing of ZMT Administration
The administration does not offer consultation hours from now on. Please communicate all requests via phone or email. The administration has organised an emergency service and partly also works from home office.
(4) Granting of special leave (Sonderurlaub)
All colleagues who have to take care of their children (minors) because of the shutdown of schools and daycares, and who do not have alternatives for their childcare, and who cannot do or not fully do their work in home office, are allowed to take special leave (Sonderurlaub). Please send your request to
(5) Research work of students and doctoral candidates
To all supervisors of student research, doctoral candidates, and other group members: When ISATEC students or others come back from field work in the next days, they will not be able to treat or store their samples as the labs are closed. The samples cannot be stored in private fridges. Please inform your group members that they have to contact the lab staff to organise a transfer of the samples into cooling storage at ZMT. Please make sure that the samples are labelled: first name, last name, workgroup, email, phone number, requested storage (temperature).
(6) ZMT internal meetings
In accordance with the regulations for working from home office, all meetings at ZMT are suspended.
This counts for:
- palaver
- department meetings
- programme area meetings
- steering group meetings
- AGL
- IGL
- workshops, schools
and the like until further notice. Please use digital options or conference calls for virtual meetings wherever appropriate.
II. Further Regulations for ZMT Staff Members
The following applies to ZMT (staff, scholarship holders, guests, participants of congresses and conferences etc.):
(7) Business Travel
No business trips will take place - business trips that have already been approved are prohibited until further notice. Exceptions are only possible with the special approval of ZMT management. We recommend using means of communication such as telephone and or video conferencing.
(8) Those who come / return to Bremen from the current risk areas are subject to an isolation measure and not allowed to appear at ZMT for 14 days after leaving these areas.
You can find a list of the current risk areas here https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete.html. This list is updated regularly.
(9) Obligation of employees to inform / authority of the employer to issue instructions
Employees,
- who have been in a country or area at risk, [...] or
- in a country or area with an increased number of cases of infection, or
- in whose close personal surroundings a disease caused by the corona virus is present or suspected...
...must inform the ZMT by telephone or email.
The same applies to intended private trips to the above-mentioned areas.
The employer is also entitled to send home employees who show flu-like symptoms.
(10) Employer's duty of care when dealing with risk groups
Employees at ZMT who are at risk due to a pre-existing illness can obtain information here:
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogruppen.html
https://www.rki.de/EN/Home/homepage_node.html
We will take protective measures together!
(11) Employees who cannot come to ZMT due to an isolation measure will continue to receive their salary or remuneration unchanged during this period. As far as possible, the tasks under the employment contract are to be carried out at home.
(12) Medical certificate after five calendar days
In order to relieve the burden on medical practices, in cases with flu-like symptoms, a medical certificate is requested from the sixth calendar day onwards only. This regulation shall apply for the time being until the end of 31 March 2020.
Be vigilant about your state of health: Should you develop symptoms, contact your doctor – initially only via telephone – in order to clarify the further steps.
You can also get in touch with our company physician
Betriebsarztzentrum Bremen e.V.
Grünenweg 6
28195 Bremen
Tel. 0421 32277-0
Our company physician: Dr. Christian Broek
E-Mail:
Outside of your doctor’s office hours you can contact the after-hours service of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of the City of Bremen (https://www.kvhb.de/bereitschaftsdienst).
The above measures also apply to people who are in close contact with people affected by an isolation measure (e.g. in a shared household).
Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Scientific Director, and Dr. Nicolas Dittert, Managing Director
Contacts 
Other relevant links