Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (4 September 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
It has been wonderful to see the campus so full of life these past few days, although of course the atmosphere has been very different this year. I know that many students have found it challenging to take their first steps into higher education this autumn due to the circumstances, but I am convinced that teachers and other staff will continue to do their utmost to give students the best possible welcome.
Easing of restrictions on mass gatherings and changes to the division of buildings into sections
The Minister of Health has issued a regulation stipulating that as of Monday 7 September, gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of 200 people (rather than 100 as currently applies).
This has no impact on the number of people permitted in classrooms, which will continue to be determined by the 1 metre physical distancing rule. However, the University's strategy of dividing buildings into separate sections will change as follows:
- Askja: No separate sections.
- VRII: No separate sections.
- Árnagarður: No separate sections.
- University Centre: Sections will be merged as far as possible on the first floor, but the second floor (where the Háma cafeteria is) will continue to be divided. Routes into the building will be opened to make it easier for people to move around.
- University Cinema - The main hall will be dividied into two sections; but only 200 persons are allowed per section.
- Stakkahlíð:
- Enni and Klettur: No separate sections.
- Hamar: The building will be divided into two sections, 146 seats on the first floor and 166 seats on the second floor. Routes will be opened between different areas and sections.
Maps of the building sections on the University of Iceland COVID-19 website will be updated accordingly.
Generally, those with impaired mobility will be permitted to move between sections, but it is crucial that they take particular care with hygiene and infection prevention when doing so. Dear students and colleagues, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant building manager if you encounter any issues.
Counselling for staff
This situation is difficult for many of our brilliant staff members and we must not forget to look out for one another. Staff who are struggling with negative feelings due to the pandemic are invited to have a chat with a professional from Auðnast. The aim is to give people an opportunity to get their worries off their chest and receive support. Further information is available from the human resource services in your unit or from the Division of Human Resources in the Main Building.
Free psychological therapy for students
The University of Iceland is also offering free psychological therapy for students and I urge those of you experiencing anxiety due to the current situation to book an individual session online.
If you notice symptoms
If a student or staff member starts experiencing symptoms typical of COVID-19, they should contact their local health clinic without delay. Anyone in this situation should stay at home while awaiting test results. If you test positive for COVID-19, you must inform someone at the relevant unit of the University and follow public health rules and instructions from the contact tracing team to the letter.
Questions and answers
Naturally, there is a lot about the current circumstances that is unclear. Please do not hesitate to ask for information from the University's service units, all of which can be contacted using the web chat function. The most common questions are also answered on the University's COVID-19 website.
We know that, unfortunately, the coronavirus has not been eradicated, but we can all be confident that the health authorities and the Department of Civil Protection are doing everything in their power to gradually get everything back to normal. Let's remember that infection control starts and ends with us as individuals.
It cannot be stated often enough that the current situation is not permanent and that with tenacity and solidarity we will get through this.
Dear students and colleagues, have a great weekend and remember to take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"