Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (14 April 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
It seems that once more the outlook is brightening in our efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Iceland. The Minister of Health has therefore issued a new regulation which will considerably relax restrictions that have affected our work at the University of Iceland. The regulation enters into effect at midnight. What it means for the University of Iceland:
- A 1 metre physical distancing rule will be in place in all University of Iceland buildings.
- Where it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1 metre, students and staff should wear facemasks.
- Up to 50 students and staff members may come together in a single space.
- Mixing between groups is permitted.
- There are no limits on the number of people permitted in common spaces, such as entrances, toilets and corridors, on the condition that people wear facemasks.
- Practical teaching and clinical training, where it is not possible to implement the physical distancing rule, is permitted on the condition that students and teaching staff wear facemasks and take care to prevent infection.
- Events that do not fall under the definition of teaching or learning should not be held in University buildings and visitor numbers should be limited.
We will ensure that common surfaces in classrooms are disinfected between classes and also that spaces are ventilated regularly.
University staff will also disinfect shared equipment and common surfaces at least once a day.
Once more it appears that our solidarity and resilience are yielding results. But although this latest relaxation of the rules will certainly make our work at the University a lot easier, as well as helping many other areas of society, we must not get carried away. Remember that the steps we take as individuals to prevent infection are key to our success.
Let's keep up the good work.
I wish you all the best, dear students and colleagues.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"