A letter from the management in light of the renewed outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic

30 December, 2021

 

 

Dear members of the Hebrew University community,

 

We would like to update you on the Hebrew University’s policy in light of the renewed outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the time being, the government has not imposed new restrictions on continuing academic activity on campus. However, the University administration has decided to adapt policies in accordance to the situation, recognizing the need to reduce the risk of contracting the virus, alongside acknowledging the importance of continuing learning on campus.

1. At this stage, the number of verified COVID-19 patients among students and faculty members is relatively small. Therefore, next week (week 13 of the first semester) studies at the University will continue in the same format as they have taken place so far this semester. However, the requirement to attend in “regular”, in-campus classes will not be enforced.

2. In contrast, in light of forecasts for an exacerbation of the pandemic over the next week, classes during the final week of the semester (week 14), which begins on Sunday, January 9, 2022, will be held remotely, using Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the course website on Moodle.

Please note: In practical and clinical courses, including practical training courses and teaching laboratories, learning shall take place in the regular format also in the last week of the semester, unless students are notified otherwise. The activity in the research laboratories will continue as usual.

3. All research activity continues as usual.

4. The University administration is working to reduce the risk of infection across the HUJI campuses. To this end, stations allowing for a quick COVID-19 test will be set up next week throughout the University campuses. Additionally, the University will intensify its enforcement of the obligation to wear a mask on campus. Note also that according to government regulations, a green-pass holder who was exposed to a person with COVID is required to be isolated only until receiving a negative result in a COVID test.

We work for a successful end to the semester, while maintaining good health. We wish all students success on the exams. We’ll publish updated policy regarding the exams next week.

 

Best regards,

Prof. Asher Cohen, President

Prof. Barak Medina, Rector

Mr. Yishai Fraenkel, Vice President and Director General