Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (2 October 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues.
Unfortunately, Icelandic authorities have once again had to take stricter social measures to counter the rapid spread of COVID-19. In order to increase the possibilities for work within the country's universities and upper secondary schools, the number limits will be a little wider there than elsewhere in society.
The restrictions are based on the principle that no more than 30 people may gather at the University of Iceland in each teaching space. This allows us to continue to conduct lab. teaching on location at the University. Teachers are encouraged to conduct teaching online given the new restrictions. Schools can still organize teaching in small groups within the published restrictions.
Due to these temporary meeting restrictions, work and reading spaces for undergraduate and master's students will generally be closed.
The gymnasium is temporarily closed due to these meeting restrictions.
Stringent disease control measures will be taken within the University. Joint contact surfaces will be disinfected at least once a day. It is very important to familiarize yourself with disease control regions in the buildings of the University, but there must be no mixing of individuals between such regions. This applies to entrances / exits, toilet facilities, restaurants and places where other services are provided. Emphasis is placed on electronic meetings.
In order to reduce the risk of infection, employees in the administration and in open spaces will be divided into two or three groups according to a further decision by superiors. The same applies to PhD students who work in open spaces and staff that share offices. The arrangements for this will be announced to staff within each unit no later than tomorrow, Monday 5 October.
Employees with underlying health conditions or in special risk groups are encouraged to consult with their immediate supervisors regarding work arrangements and the possibility of working from home.
Students and staff are encouraged to bring packed lunches to the University.
These measures take effect immediately and I kindly ask you, dear students and teachers, to prepare for this changed arrangement, which is only temporary.
This is certainly a different path than we had hoped for, but with concerted efforts we will be able to maintain the high standard of our work an ensure quality as far as is possible given these difficult circumstances.
I remind you that hand washing, disinfection of hands, social distancing, the use of protective masks and other individual infection control give the best results. Follow the rules of civil protection. Stay home if the slightest symptoms are noticed. Download the infection control app from the Medical Director of Health.
Good luck to you all in your work during the upcoming weeks.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector and President"