Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (18 September 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
This week we have all felt the severity of this pandemic affecting us directly. The Emergency Response Board has met every day to evaluate the situation. Of course this outbreak is a major challenge, but we continue undeterred with the tenacity that has defined all our work at the University. We are all doing our utmost to guarantee that the quality of our study programmes will not suffer.
We are grateful to the huge number of people who went to get tested yesterday. One infection was confirmed in a staff member in the Main Building, making a total of six cases. All the necessary measures have been taken in connection with this additional case.
Screening tests are still available from deCODE genetics. I urge those of you who have not yet taken part in the screening tests to book an appointment. The invitation code is HI_COVID
Operations are slowly returning to the way they were before this outbreak and Háma is scheduled to reopen on Monday. We have to remember, though, that the situation may change.
Hand washing and other steps we can take as individuals are our best defence against infection. We must all follow official public health guidelines and take the 1m physical distancing rule very seriously. Stay at home if you notice even the mildest symptoms. Download the contact tracing app.
Autumn, what a relief, as the poet Bragi Ólafsson wrote, evoking the smell of school bags and books. Now is indeed the time when schools come to life and go to work and nature is a riot of colour. Let's appreciate the autumn colours this weekend as best we can and enjoy ourselves in a responsible way.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"