Mask required wherever the 1 M rule cannot be respected

In accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist, the Minister of Health has decided to introduce stricter public health restrictions to combat the rapid spread of COVID-19. The restrictions, which entered into effect on 13 November, will have a considerable impact on operations at the University of Iceland.

The rules that are relevant for UI students and staff are as follows.

• The general limit on gatherings is 50 people. This means that gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted, whether inside UI buildings or outdoors.
• Maintain a distance of 1 metre from other people. Contact sports are still permitted.
• Masks must be worn wherever it is not possible to maintain 1 m distance. This also applies when seated in classrooms.
• Mixing between groups is permitted at UI, as at all other levels of the education system.

See here for further information about the latest public health restrictions.

We encourage everyone to follow these rules at all times to reduce the spread of the virus, and to download the Directorate of Health's contact tracing app. Students and teaching staff are also urged to use the QR code system now in place at the University, which enables people to sign in to classes using the QR codes that can be found on all tables in UI classrooms. This system will minimise disruption if a case is diagnosed at UI, as well as facilitating efficient contact tracing.

We must defend the progress we have achieved through our pandemic response, and experience has shown us that the best way to do this is by taking individual action to prevent infection. It is vital that everyone washes their hands, uses disinfectant and wears a mask. It is a good idea to get into the habit of wearing a mask indoors when moving through University buildings. 

If you notice any symptoms at all, it is extremely important that you stay away from campus and go to get tested immediately. Useful and detailed information is available on the COVID section of the University of Iceland website and at covid.is.