Step-by-step approach to reopening a Brazilian higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: to describe the experience of reopening a Brazilian higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: experience report of a step-by-set approach to reopening a nursing higher education institution in São Paulo, Brazil, from May 2020 to May 2021. Results: the plan was created and operated by a group including students, professors, and technical-administrative workers. Weekly or by-weekly meetings occurred according to changes in the epidemiological situation and the needs to review the local technical and political agreements. Conclusions: we suggest that reopening plans during the COVID-19 pandemic should be politically and technically legitimated by all members of the community of a higher education institution so that they can take place quickly and sustainably. The early identification of COVID-19 cases and the adoption of local administrative measures are necessary to reduce the risk of outbreaks.