Timeframe: until 27.08.2021, new instructions to be expected 28.08.2021.

With high numbers of infections daily and a high 14-days incidence we are reminded that covid-19 is not over, although a high proportion of the Icelandic population is vaccinated.

Please contact Astrid or the hospital directly, if you want to become vaccinated. https://www.covid.is/statistical-information-on-vaccination 

The national regulations are quite simple (https://www.covid.is/english):

• Always keep at least one meter distance.
• Where you can not keep the distance, wear a mask. Masks are required in shops and public transportation.
• Maximum numbers for gatherings is 200.
• Always keep best hygienical standards and avoid unnecessary contact.
• Keep to the community pledge: https://www.covid.is/community

Translating this to UW means the following:

• We rent the big Edinborgar-hall so you can keep distance. Use the space, do not cluster.
• At UW, there is enough space to keep distance, make use of it.
• When entering the building and until seated, use masks.
• There is both soap and hand sanitizer everywhere, use it.
• When meeting with people outside your closer surroundings, be specially aware of keeping distance and/or using masks.

There are several groups at UW, summer courses, several master's programmes, other programmes. As much as we normally want students to build up contacts across the different groups we now ask you to select the ones you want to have close contact with. In case of an infection, your contacts will need to quarantaine, so cutting across the groups will multiply the numbers of quarantained students. Please contain the damage by keeping to fewer close contacts and remind to keep good distance when in contact with people outside your narrowest surroundings. This applies both within UW and in your private surroundings.

• Please keep track of your contacts and/or use the Rakning C-19 app: https://www.covid.is/app/en
• We do not reach the maximum numbers. However, in the building are numerous institutions and all together they make a big group. This is why the building is again divided into four main areas. Do not enter any of the other areas without invitation or necessity. Students do generally not have to run any errand in the other parts of the building, they are restricted to area 1, UW.

Area 1: UW, central area, including all classrooms and offices.

Area 2: Þróunarsetur/carpet-floor. Divided by fire protecting door

Area 3: Vestfjarðastofa, first floor eastern corner

Area 4: Fræðslumiðstöð, first floor, southern corner

 

After very strict regulations during the last winter we have seen a period of zero regulations, which led to a very high incidence. Now we are back to some – bearable – regulations. Let's keep to them.

After very strict regulations during the last days the government has now set rules for the time after Easter until 15.04.2021. The main rule of a maximum number of persons gathering is ten, unchanged. However, the regulations set for the universities allow after Easter in-class-teaching and a maximum number of up to 50 persons in a room. However, the 2-meters-rule applies. Where the 2-meters rule can not be kept, masks are obligatory.

Rules on running schools set by the ministry:

Timeframe: 06.04.2021-15.04.2021.

 

CRD19 – Coping with Disasters, 19 students

In-class teaching.  Please find further information in Canvas.

Please use masks where the 2-meters rule can not be kept, for example in the hallway or the toilets.

 

CRD21 – Business Incubator, 8 students

In-class teaching.  Please find further information in Canvas.

Please use masks where the 2-meters rule can not be kept, for example in the hallway or the toilets.

 

SIT semester programme, no teaching

Distance learning students

Reading rooms on the first floor. Please get more information in the reception.   

Second year students, cohort 2019 working on thesis projects

Library or classroom. Please get more information in the reception.

Teachers/staff

Staff is allowed to work in their offices but should reduce contacts as possible. No visits to offices allowed

Researchers use their desk as usual. 

Guests are only allowed to the University Centre on invitation.  

Access to printer/photo-copying machine: 

Access to the printer: Please make use of disinfection provided.

Access to staff/teachers

Staff/teachers are not allowed to receive students in their offices. Student-Teacher communication must be virtual (e-mail, zoom, phone). Communication between students and staff should be via e-mail or phone. 

Use of masks 

According to official guidelines, masks must be used where the distance of two meters can not be kept. 

Quarantaine-areas in the building

Unchanged four big quarantaine areas. No traffic from one area to the other. Janitors and receptionists excempted.

Students, teachers and staff are asked to avoid situations with high infection risk. Maximum group size is ten, all over the country.  

Students and staff are urged to stay home and take a test in case they felt any symptoms!

Please keep in mind that washing hands and other disinfection, good distance or use of masks as well as other personal preventions have shown best results in containing the disease.

 

School for International Training (SIT) is recruiting Academic Directors for its 7-week summer 1 and summer 2 study abroad programs located in Iceland. Both programs are based in Akureyri and Reykjavik and are focused on the theme of Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics.

Summer 1 runs June 1 through July 14 (https://studyabroad.sit.edu/program/summer-2021-iceland-renewable-energy-technology-and-resource-economics-summer-1/)

Summer 2 runs from June 15 through July 28 (https://studyabroad.sit.edu/program/summer-2021-iceland-renewable-energy-technology-and-resource-economics-summer-2/).

The Academic Director is responsible for the academic content, student safety, and general management of day-to-day logistics of the program. The candidates should have an academic background in renewable energy, economics, engineering, environmental science or a related discipline. The candidate should also allow for three weeks preparation prior to the program start date.

To apply, please submit a Curriculum Vitae and cover letter to Lindsay Parise at Lindsay.Parise@sit.edu by April 15, 2021.

World Learning Iceland leitar að nýjum námsbrautarfulltrúa fyrir námsbrautina Study Abroad Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic, við SIT – School for International Training. Námsbrautin er á grunnháskólastigi og fer fram á vor- og haustönn á hverju ári.

Sjá nánari upplýsingar í atvinnuauglýsingu.

As infection numbers have been rising during the last days the government has set stricter rules to prevent a spread of the virus. The regulations set a maximum number of 10 persons gathering in general, both in public life and in private gatherings. Moreover, all in-class-teaching has been suspended from tonight midnight until 31.03.2021 to start with.

The University Centre is closed for students until further notice. If you urgently needed a book from the library or have stored personal items in one of the storage-boxes, please contact the reception: reception@uw.is or 450 3000

Rules on running schools set by the ministry.

Timeframe: 25.03.2021-31.03.2021.

 

CMM41 – Marine Spatial Planning, delivered online

Students take the course from home.

CRD04 – Welfare and Development, moved to an online format

Students take the course from home.

Please note: Teaching on Thursday morning, 24.03.2021 will start at 08:30. Please find further information in Canvas.

SIT semester programme, no teaching

Students are informed

Distance learning students

Students work from home.

Second year students, cohort 2019 working on thesis projects

Students work from home.

Teachers/staff

Staff is allowed to work in their offices but should reduce contacts as possible. No visits to offices allowed

Researchers use their desk as usual. 

Guests are only allowed to the University Centre on special invitation during the period 24.03.2021-01.04.2021.  

Access to printer/photo-copying machine: 

Access to the printer not allowed for students. Students can send print orders to the printer and UW will organise safe delivery. Please take contact with the reception before sending print orders. For photocopying receptionists need to be consulted. 

Access to staff/teachers

Staff/teachers are not allowed to receive students in their offices. Student-Teacher communication must be virtual (e-mail, zoom, phone). Communication between students and staff should be via e-mail or phone. 

Use of masks 

According to official guidelines, masks must be used where the distance of two meters can not be kept.

Quarantine-areas in the building

Unchanged four big quarantine areas. No traffic from one area to the other. Janitors and receptionists exempted.

 

Students, teachers and staff are asked to avoid situations with high infection risk. Maximum group size is ten, all over the country.  

Students and staff are urged to stay home and take a test in case they feel any symptoms!

 

We hope for your understanding of these rules. They are made to nip the fourth wave in the bud. 

Please keep in mind that washing hands and other disinfection, good distance or use of masks as well as other personal preventions have shown best results in containing the disease.

The rules for preventing spread of the Corona-virus have been prolonged with minor changes, which are not relevant for universities. Group size is still limited to ten persons. The two meters rule as well as the segregation of groups applies unchanged.  Where groups cannot be separated or the two meter's minimum distance cannot be kept, masks must be used. 

Rules on running schools set by the ministry.

Time frame for the rules at UW: 16.11.2020-30.11.2020 (=CMM/CRD05 module)

Next announcement to be expected with the beginning of the next teaching module.

Separation of groups as well as minimising group sizes should reduce a possible infection affecting big groups and facilitate the work of the tracing team in containing the disease. The University Centre is a working place with several groups of students and a number of independent institutions in the same building. All restriction of contacts will lower the risk of infection. Please be aware that the two meters rule also applies in the coffee breaks and in the hallway, as well as outside university. There is plenty of space, let's make use of it!

Separation will be according to the following lines. 

CMM05 – Environmental Economics

Partly taught in distance. Contact hours and individual learning: Group divided in three subgroups.

Nota bene: Subgroups may not mix.

Subgroup A room 4 (both for face-to-face time and for individual learning)
Subgroup B room 5 (both for face-to-face time and for individual learning)
Subgroup C room 3 (for face-to-face time, for individual learning room 3+1)

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit via yard (or corner door from room 1+3) to minimise contacts in the hall.

Coffee-room: Coffee bar(s), Corner coffee room, Cafeteria, according to guidance by receptionists.

Toilets: UW main toilets 

Distance learning students, estimated 4-5, reading rooms on the first floor.

Please inform reception. If demand is higher, we rent an additional room.

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Coffee-room: none

Toilets: Toilet opposite to Skógrækt

Second year students, cohort 2019, estimated 5-6, Library/Reading facilities

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Coffee-room: none

Toilets: UW main toilets 

Teachers/staff can cross the separation lines when necessary. 

Researchers use their desk as usual. 

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Toilets: First floor and handicapped

 

Guests are not allowed to the University Centre during the period, besides upon invitation (for example guest lecturers).

 

Access to printer/photo-copying machine: 

Students print out and ask the receptionists for assistance. Receptionists will deposit the printed material in the respective areas. For photocopying receptionists need to be consulted. 

Access to staff/teachers

Staff/teachers are not allowed to receive students in their offices. Student-Teacher communication must be in the classroom or by internet (e-mail, zoom, phone). Communication between students and staff should be in a bigger room where distance can be kept or via e-mail or phone. 

Use of masks 

Masks must be used where the distance of two meters cannot be kept and where it is inevitable that groups mix.

With the set rules the groups should not mix, not even in the hallway. The teaching facilities as well as the coffee rooms have space to guarantee the two meters distance. However, it is advisable to have masks at hand and UW can provide students with a mask. Please make sure to use it according to best practices. 

Closed during weekend

The University Centre will be closed during the weekends of this period to prevent groups from mixing.

Please keep in mind that washing hands and other disinfection, good distance or use of masks as well as other personal preventions have shown best results in containing the disease.

As previously announced stricter measures have been in place in Iceland to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These stricter rules have now been be prolonged, mostly unchanged, but with a two-meters social distancing rule added. Groups need to be separated and where groups can not be separated or the two meter's minimum distance cannot be kept, masks must be used. See updated group separation plan below.

Rules on running schools set by the ministry.

Timeframe for the rules at UW: 19.10.2020-07.11.2020

Separation of groups should reduce a possible infection from one group to the other and facilitate the work of the tracing team in containing the disease. The University Centre is a working place with several groups of students and a number of independent institutions in the same building. All restriction of contacts will lower the risk of infection.

The two meters distance will minimize the risk of infection within a group.

Separation will be according to the following rules. 

CMM31 – Oceanography, 20 students registered, rooms 1+3, self-directed learning during until 23.10.2020.

During the period 26.10.2020-03.11.2020 teaching for all the group will be at Hamrar music hall in the music school, Austurvegi, in the mornings, while individual learning and consulting will be at rooms 1+2 in the afternoons.

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit through the corner door or yard to minimise contacts in the hall.

Coffee-room: Corner cafeteria

Toilets: UW Toilets for handicapped

Time: 08:00-16:00. 

CRD03 – Regional Economy, 9 students registered, room 4 (behind the book shelfs).

Time: 08-12:30

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit through the kitchen door/yard to minimise contacts in the hall. The last person needs to close the door from inside and leave the building through the main entrance.

Coffee-room: Main cafeteria

Toilets: UW main toilets 

GCC, 8 students registered, room 5 (behind the book shelfs)

Time: 13:00-16:00

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit through the kitchen door/yard to minimise contacts in the hall. The last person needs to close the door from inside and leave the building through the main entrance.

Coffee-room: Main cafeteria

Toilets: UW main toilets 

Distance learning students, number changing, estimated 6-7, reading rooms on the first floor

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Coffee-room: none

Toilets: Toilet opposite to Skógrækt

Second year students, cohort 2019, number unclear, estimated 5, Library

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Coffee-room: none

Toilets: UW main toilets 

Teachers/staff can cross the separation lines when necessary. 

Researchers use their desk as usual. 

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Guests are not allowed to the University Centre during the period 19.10.2020-06.11.2020, besides guest lecturers coming for teaching. 

 

As infection numbers have been rising during the last days/week the government has set new and stricter rules to prevent a further uncontrolled spread of the virus. The regulations set a maximum number of 30 students in one class room and the minimum distance of one meter remains. Groups need to be separated and where groups can not be separated or the one meter's minimum distance can not be kept, masks must be used. 

Rules on running schools set by the ministry.

Timeframe: 05.10.2020-19.10.2020

Separation of groups should reduce a possible infection from one group to the other and facilitate the work of the tracing team in containing the disease. The University Centre is a working place with several groups of students and a number of independent institutions in the same building. All restriction of contacts will lower the risk of infection. 

 

Separation will be according to the following rules:

   

CRD14 - Coastal Arctic Scenarios, 20 students registered, room 4 and cafeteria. 

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit through the kitchen door/yard to minimise contacts in the hall. The last person needs to close the door from inside and leave the building through the main entrance.

Coffee-room: Main cafeteria

Group work in room 4, cafeteria

Toilets: UW main toilets 

Separation timewise from course CMM47 according to information from programme directors/teacher. 

 

SIT semester programme, 12 students registered, Fræðslumiðstöð room2

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit via the yard to minimise contacts in the hall. The last person needs to close the door from inside and leave the building through the main entrance.

Coffee-room: kaffivagn/coffee-table in front of the room.

Toilets: Toilet opposite to Skógrækt

 

CMM47 – Arctic Ocean Governance, 6 students registered, room 3

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Corner entrance. 

Coffee-room: Corner cafeteria

Toilets: UW Toilets for handicapped 

Taking turns with the SIT semester programme using the coffee corner according to information from programme directors/teachers, until Friday morning.

 

GCC, 8 students registered, room 1

Entrance: Corner entrance. Exit: over the yard to minimise contacts in the corner entrance stairs. The last one needs to close the door from inside and leave the building through the corner exit.

Coffee-room: Corner cafeteria

Toilets: UW Toilets for handicapped

Taking turns with GCC using the coffee corner according to information from programme directors/teachers. 

 

Distance learning students, number changing, estimated 6-7, reading rooms on the first floor

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Coffee-room: none

Toilets: Toilet opposite to Skógrækt

 

Second year students, cohort 2019, number unclear, estimated 5, Library

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

Coffee-room: none

Toilets: UW main toilets 

 

Teachers/staff can cross the separation lines when necessary. 

Researchers use their desk as usual. 

Entrance: Main entrance. Exit: Main entrance. 

 

Guests are not allowed to the University Centre during the period 05.10.2020-19.10.2020, besides guest lecturers coming for teaching. 

 

Access to printer/photo-copying machine: 

Students print out and ask the receptionists for assistance. Receptionists will deposit the printed material in the respective areas. For photocopying receptionists need to be consulted. 

 

Access to staff/teachers

Staff/teachers are not allowed to receive students in their offices. Student-Teacher communication must be in the classroom or by internet (e-mail, zoom, phone). Communication between students and staff should be via e-mail or phone. 

 

Use of masks 

According to official guidelines, masks must be used where the distance of one meter can not be kept and where groups mix. 

With the set rules the groups should not mix, not even in the hallway. The teaching facilities have room to guarantee the one meter distance. However, it is advisable to have masks at hand and UW can provide students with a mask. Please make sure to use it according to best practices. 

 

Course registrations

Courses will be taught as planned. While UW can fulfil set requirements face-to-face-teaching will be continued.

 

Closed during weekend

The University Centre will be closed during the weekends of this period, 10./11.October and 17./18. October to prevent groups from mixing.

 

Students, teachers and staff are asked to avoid situations with high infection risk. Unnecessary travels are not advisable at this point, especially to Reykjavík. The same applies to private gatherings in big groups. 

We hope for your understanding of these rules. They are made so that we can keep up teaching and ensure that as few as possible would be affected, in case an infection would be detected amongst students or teachers/staff. 

Please keep in mind that washing hands and other disinfection, good distance or use of masks as well as other personal preventions have shown best results in containing the disease.

As of 19.08.2020 new rules on traveling to Iceland will be in place. Below you will find information and resources regarding these new rules, as well as rules on social distancing and gathering limitations.

Travelling to Iceland

As of 19.08.2020 all travelers entering Iceland must be tested twice for COVID-19. The first sample is done upon arrival. The second sample is taken 5-6 days later. Until the second test has proved negative you need to carefully follow quarantine rules.  

During the 5-6 day period you are required to follow carefully the instructions for persons under home-based quarantine, or instructions for quarantine for visitors in Iceland, depending on your situation.

When in Ísafjörður, students are encouraged to notify staff about their arrival by e-mail. Please note that you are to adhere to the quarantine instructions until negative result is received from the second test.

Please read further information about coming to Iceland on the official COVID-19 information website.

Previous rules, implemented on 31.07.2020, apply until 18.08.2020 at 00:00 hours. Please read previous announcement.

Classes and working at the University Centre building

Currently there is a limit of gatherings of 100-person and a general rule on social distancing of two meters between individuals who do not live together. This applies to all general gatherings and movement in public space. Where the 2-meter rule cannot be respected masks should be used.

Special provisions are in place at colleges and universities, where it is allowed to maintain one-meter social distance between individuals without face masks.

For further information about current restrictions please visit the Official COVID-19 information website.

How to prevent infection and what to do if symptoms are detected

Please follow always the best hygiene measures. You find more on how to avoid infection here. 

In case you felt any symptoms, stay home and notify us or call the official number, 1700, respectively +354 544 4113 from a foreign phone.  Do not come to UW when you feel sick and not at all to the hospital either. In an emergency or if you are in doubt how to behave responsibly, you are welcome to address any person staff. 

Further information:

Directorate of Health website

Official information website about COVID-19 in Iceland

Updated 31.07.2020 

From today, 31.07.2020, there are new regulations in effect concerning measures to keep infection rate with the corona-virus low. This is a bunch of measures which aim at controlling the influx and, at the same time, prevent further distribution of the virus. 

Most important for incoming international students arer the changes in the border control. We advise students and teachers to find information on the official website.  Arriving international students should pay special attention to the instructions on registering before departure. Students from the US have received a special invitation letter from UW.

During the last week or ten days we have already informed the different categories of students coming to UW individually on the procedure of arrival and testing, including the suggestion to keep to special precautious measures (="heimkomusmitgát"). Since today, 31.07.2020, the regulations on heimkomusmitgát are obligatory for all students and teachers of UW who come from high risque areas (which is most countries).

From 31.07.2020, all arrivals from high-risque areas undergo double testing for covid: First on their own expenses upon arrival, and a second test after some five days with no costs for them, at the place of residence here in Ísafjörður. Please note that students will be invited for the second test. If not, UW will arrange that in cooperation with the local hospital.

Arrivals from "safe countries" do not need to undergo testing. However, UW strongly suggests all students keep to the rules of special precautious measures/heimkomusmitgát during the first days and be in contact with us, so we check with the local health authorities whether a test after five days is indicated.

Heimkomusmitgát (special precautious measures) is a lean form of quarantaine for the first five days of stay. In short, during the first five days, arrivals may not contact vulnerable people, they may not attend gatherings with more than 10 persons and should avoid all contacts which are not traceable. However, students are allowed to travel to their future home in Ísafjörður, including flight and flybus, with overnight stay in Reykjavík and go to the grocery store when necessary, but should minimise all contacts and keep extra high hygienic standards. Disinfection liquid is available in all public buildings and the grocery stores, make use of them. Masks are now obligatory wherever a distance of 2 meters can not be kept. Please find detailed information on the special precautious measures here. 

When in Ísafjörður, students are encouraged to let staff know of their arrival by e-mail, but may not come to UW before second testing/end of the five day's period. It is allowed to walk in the open air exploring the nature around Ísafjörður – where you won't meet with anybody and won't spread the virus.  Enjoy it!

Please follow always the best hygiene measures. You find more on how to avoid infection here. 

In case you felt any symptoms, stay home and notify us or call the official number, 1700, respectively +354 544 4113 from a foreign phone.  Do not come to UW when you feel sick and not at all to the hospital either. In an emergency or if you are in doubt how to behave responsibly, you are welcome to address any person staff. 

Further information:

Directorate of Health website

Official information website about COVID-19 in Iceland