Tenacity prevails

Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland sent the following announcement to students and staff today:

"Dear students and colleagues,

It is now a whole month since the assembly ban was introduced and the end of yet another week working under circumstances which can now hardly be called new. Still, they are temporary and the Minister of Health has announced that the first steps in relaxing the restrictions will be implemented on 4 May. It is important to continue to stay up to date with official civil defence guidelines.

As it stands, our buildings will be reopened on 4 May. Nevertheless, no examinations will be held on University premises; they will all be digital. Work is underway on ensuring that the University can meet the revised terms of the assembly ban, which prohibit gatherings of more than 50 and require people to stay 2 metres away from one another. This relaxing of the restrictions opens the possibility of practical teaching, vocational training and field work. Master's and doctoral defences may proceed, as well, providing people are kept 2 metres apart. We are also considering our options regarding graduation ceremonies under these circumstances.

 We have learned a lot over the last month and adopted many new practices in our work, for example remote presentations on postgraduate programmes, which have been extremely successful. Everyone has had the opportunity to learn about almost a hundred postgraduate study programmes, all through their own computer or smart device.

The University of Iceland has decided to cancel the University of Youth which was due to take place in June and also postpone the Knowledge Train, at least until the autumn. This is due to the restrictions that have been placed on face-to-face interaction. It is a shame to be forced to delay these projects, but we at the University, in partnership with the government, the Director of Health and the Chief Epidemiologist, have been doing our utmost to reduce the risk of infection in order to keep everyone safe, not least young people.

It is thanks to you, dear students and colleagues, that we have been so successful in reducing the risk of infection at the University of Iceland. Of course, it has not been easy and we all have moments of impatience. We may sometimes feel weary and long for our lives to return to normal. But in order to embrace our freedom once more, and defeat this awful disease, we must show the tenacity that has characterised this nation.

We must not forget. Although we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, we are not there yet. We must stand united and together we will prevail.

Best regards,

Jón Atli Benediktsson,
Rector of the University of Iceland."