Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (2 November 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
We now head into a new month and a new week under updated public health measures, in which gatherings of over ten people are prohibited with certain exceptions, which will be outlined here.
Late yesterday evening, the Minister of Health set a new regulation in consultation with the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, with the aim of ensuring that the COVID-19 response causes minimal disruption to the education system.
The regulation, which enters into effect tomorrow, 3 November, stipulates the following:
- Teaching and learning is permitted in all University of Iceland buildings, on condition that individuals can stay at least 2 metres apart and no more than 10 students and teaching staff are ever in any given classroom or study space.
- Practical and clinical teaching is permitted if it meets infection control requirements and on the condition that students and teaching staff wear protective masks.
- Students may not move between teaching groups, but staff members and teachers may do so.
- Rules on mixing groups and the assembly ban do not apply in common spaces at the University, e.g. at entrances, in corridors and in toilets, on the condition that everyone is wearing a protective mask.
- All events in University buildings are prohibited, except those that involve teaching or learning.
- Common surfaces in classrooms will be disinfected between student groups. Shared equipment and common surfaces will be cleaned on a daily basis.
Final exams at the University of Iceland this December will be held online as distance exams, with a few exceptions, e.g. competitive exams and certain exams where the quality of assessment and equality between students cannot be guaranteed online. According to the Minister's regulation, it is permissible to hold competitive exams, important final exams and on-location teaching blocks for up to 30 people in well-ventilated spaces. Schools and faculties will determine in consultation with the Division of Academic Affairs which exams fall under the exemption. An announcement about on-campus exams will be given out no later than 11 November.
Solidarity and strict infection control are our best tactics in combating the spread of the virus. Let's wear protective masks and take care to wash and disinfect our hands. I also encourage you all to respect the assembly ban and physical distancing rules.
I wish you the very best in your work and studies over the coming week.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"