University buildings closed from midnight

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (24 March 2021):

"Dear students and colleagues,

The Icelandic government today announced tougher measures against the spread of the corona virus due to new infections that have flared up in the community. Tightened measures, which take effect at midnight, mean that all buildings at the University of Iceland will be closed until Easter and all instructions will be electronic. Exceptions from the closure are Stúdentakjallarinn, which is a restaurant and operates within the limits provided for in the epidemiological rules for restaurants, and Bóksala stúdenta at Háskólatorg which operates according to the epidemiological rules for shops.

In the whole community, the principle will apply that only ten people may come together and the two-meter rule will apply. Face masks will be mandatory in many places. University employees are encouraged to consult with their immediate supervisor about work arrangements and to work from home if possible.

Further elaboration of the rules that will apply to the University's work will be announced as soon as the Minister's regulation is published.

This is certainly a shock to all of us, but we know from experience that it is possible to climb this steep.

Dear students and colleagues. Your resilience this whole year and for most of the past has been unparalleled. I have repeatedly been proud of your endurance and flexibility in dealing with this weakness. Let's continue on the same path and remember that together we work to win.

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"