Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (11 September 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
As we come to the end of the week, I would like to thank you all for your tenacity and cooperation with the rules we have established to reduce the risk of infection, in accordance with official guidance. Fortunately, there have been no cases of infection here at the University of Iceland, thanks in no small part to the way we have all responded to the situation.
Although the restrictions on mass gatherings have been eased, we cannot yet invite guests and the general public to University events. Rules of procedure on online doctoral defences are being prepared and all larger events should ideally take place online.
The 1 metre physical distancing rule is still in place on the University campus and in wider society and it is important for students to respect this rule at off-campus gatherings, although this is of course their own personal responsibility. Certain buildings are still divided into sections and people have been very good about following the access rules.
Naturally, many students are hesitant about coming to the University campus in these complicated circumstances, but I would like to stress that students are welcome and we would be delighted to see you all. It is not easy for any of us to study and work in the current situation, but everyone has adapted extremely well to the new rules, which is not something we could have taken for granted.
Guidelines for the organisation of exams and assessment are being prepared, but the current plan is that as many exams as possible will be held here on the University campus.
I would like to remind you of the University's COVID-19 website, where you can access information regarding all aspects of the University's response to the pandemic. We mustn't forget that, fortunately, this situation is temporary.
Let's all enjoy the weekend as best we can and remember to think positively.
Jón Atli Benediktsson,
Rector"