Removes distance requirements in teaching rooms at UiB

At the start of this semester, it became clear that the distance requirement in teaching romms was removed at all Norwegian universities and colleges. Due to high infection rates, Bergen municipality introduced local measures where the distance requirement in teaching rooms where maintained. These measures have now been repealed and Bergen Municipality follows the national guidelines.

UiB removes the distance requirement in classrooms from Wednesday 22 September. This means that it is no longer a requirement for students to keep a distance of 1 meter in the teaching rooms. Teachers should still keep their distance from others, including students. 

- It is gratifying that we can now use the campus to an even greater extent. It is important for UiB that the campus is open and accessible to the students as much as possible, says vice-rector Pinar Heggernes.

The change currently only applies to classrooms, but Heggernes hopes that the distance requirement can soon be removed in other areas on campus as well.

- All reading rooms, libraries, canteens, and classrooms are open and in use, only with distance requirements. Now teaching rooms can finally be used with full capacity, and we hope that the distance requirement can be removed in other areas as well, Heggernes continues.

Basic infection control is still important

- It is important that students and employees continue the good work of following the basic infection control rules even now that the distance requirement is gone, says Heggernes.

The basic infection control rules are:

• Have good hand and cough hygiene
• Stay home if you are sick
• Keep your distance if you can

Teaching continues as planned this semester

When the distance requirement disappears, all teaching rooms can be used at full capacity. It will be up to the faculties to decide for themselves whether changes will be made to this autumn's curricula. Students must follow MittUiB for updated information about their timetables.

- We look forward to gradually accepting more students on campus, and hope that this is one step towards a more normal everyday life, Heggernes concludes.