Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (28 August 2020):
„Dear students and colleagues,
The autumn semester is getting off to a good start at the University of Iceland, despite the unusual and challenging circumstances. We are very happy to welcome you, dear students, not least all our new students, of whom we have never had so many. On Monday, teaching will be fully underway in all schools. We will continue to do our best to ensure that everything is as normal as possible, but if we are to be successful in this, we must all take steps to prevent the spread of infection and respect the 1 metre physical distancing rule. Everyone must do their part and familiarise themselves with current guidelines.
In order to ensure that important services at the University Centre continue to function and to comply with the requirements of the public health authorities, it has been necessary to implement further restrictions on access to the Centre. Staff and students are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary trips to the University Centre and to stay in their 'home buildings' as much as possible at meal times. Students and staff are encouraged to bring packed lunches and to use only the break rooms or cafeterias in their own building or in the next closest building. Efforts will be made to provide varied options for food in buildings other than the University Centre while these measures are in place.
The following measures will be implemented in the University Centre as of Monday 31 August:
- New infection control sections will be set up, each with its own entrance. See a map of the new sections here.
- People must use only the entrance that provides access to the part of the Centre they want to use. Next week, University staff will be on site to help people find the right entrance.
- People are strongly urged to avoid going between sections unless absolutely necessary. If it cannot be avoided, they must be sure to wash and disinfect their hands carefully – this applies in all cases when moving between sections.
- There is only one entrance for the University Centre cafeteria, i.e. the main entrance on the east side, opposite Lögberg. This entrance will be closed if the number of people in the section meets the set limits.
- The west entrance by Suðurgata will be for those going up to the third floor.
- It will not be possible to go between the first and second floors (using the large circular staircase in the middle of the building).
- Classrooms on the first floor will be divided into three sections (A, B, C) with a separate entrance for each section.
The Emergency Response Board met yesterday and recommended dividing staff within each unit into two or more groups in order to ensure consistent service at the University if there is a case of infection or someone needs to quarantine. Managers will put in place arrangements that suit each unit in order to reduce the likelihood of disruptions to service. The Division of Human Resources can advise on implementation.
Any student or staff member feeling unwell must stay at home, without exception. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing team will determine the next steps.
I urge you all, dear students and colleagues, to regularly check the University of Iceland COVID-19 website and use the web chat on the University homepage to access services online.
I know that these are severe restrictions, but I hope you will all be understanding and cooperative. The goal is to reduce mixing of large groups and make the contact tracing team's job easier if anyone is infected.
We must stay the course. Informed responsibility is the strongest weapon we have against this virus. With a united effort, we will be able to continue our important work at the University of Iceland, remembering that these measures are only temporary.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector“