Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (25 September 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
As we come to the end of the week, above all I feel gratitude and respect for how you have come together to ensure that our work at the University of Iceland can continue with the enthusiasm and high quality we have always aspired to. Working and studying has been challenging recently, for example due to the mask usage, and I would like to thank you all for how well you have responded to these demanding and ever-changing circumstances.
It is particularly gratifying to see how many of us went to be screened by deCODE genetics this week and the last. Fortunately, we have received news from deCODE that the virus seems not to have been as widespread in the University community as many feared. This does not change the fact that the crisis is not over. We must continue to be careful, do what we can to prevent infection and keep our distance from one another. Through a united effort, we will prevail against this virus. I wish all of you who have fallen ill a full and speedy recovery. The temporary screening programme for staff and students at the University is now finished for the time being and we all owe deCODE genetics a debt of gratitude for their generous efforts.
I would like to remind you that the COVID-19 page of the University, has information for staff and students regarding the operations of the University in the current circumstances, e.g., updated guidelines for those who suspect they have COVID-19 and for those who have a confirmed infection.
The enormous challenge of the current situation has been traumatic, but has also brought about many triumphs – you have learned how to use new technology and developed original methods to seek knowledge, study and communicate. Undoubtedly much of this will serve us well in the future.
I am proud of the the way our staff and students have contributed to combating the epidemic here in Iceland. Again and again, we have seen that our community includes world-class scientists who give us faith in the value of research and knowledge.
The first snow was seen on Esja this week, just as the leaves began to take on their autumn colours. Let's enjoy watching the seasons change and try to unwind this weekend. We must gather our strength for the challenges ahead. Let's not forget that positive thinking can take us a long way.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"