Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (25 May 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
We start the week with some significant relaxations of the public health restrictions, thanks in no small part to your caution, solidarity and resilience. The national vaccination programme has also made a huge impact.
The latest easing of restrictions gives us hope that our lives can soon get back to the way they were and that the next autumn semester at the University of Iceland will be normal.
However, it is essential that we continue to follow the rules set by the public health authorities to avoid losing the progress we have made in our efforts against the coronavirus.
The relaxations that have been announced were not written with particular reference to higher education. The main change, though, is that the general limit for gatherings has gone from 50 people to 150 people. The University was not previously permitted to allow more than 100 people in a classroom or reading room, so this is a significant change.
A one metre physical distancing rule will apply for general University operations and seated events. Face masks will no longer be required at the University, except at seated events. The maximum audience for a University event has risen from 150 people to 300 people in each infection control zone, subject to certain conditions. This means there is a good chance that graduation ceremonies on 19 June will be close to normal.
All University of Iceland buildings are well ventilated and common surfaces in classrooms will be disinfected between classes. Surfaces and shared equipment will also be disinfected at least once a day.
I hope you all have a good week.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"