December 15, 2021

 

Dear members of the Hebrew University community,

Omicron Variant: Continuing routine activity and taking precautionary measures

The academic year is progressing as planned, with the classrooms, offices, libraries, and research laboratories bustling with life. However, in view of the risk of re-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic with the rise in the number of those infected with the Omicron variant, we must take precautionary measures to ensure that we are able to continue our regular activity.

After consulting with the Hebrew University’s expert staff, which also advises the Israeli government, the University administration has decided to take two main steps:

1. Those living with a verified COVID-19 patient: According to Hebrew University's policy, anyone living in the same home as a verified COVID-19 patient is asked not come to campus until the patient recovers. Government policy does not require isolation for those who have a "green pass," but in light of the particularly high risk of infection at home, we have chosen to take a stricter approach. In such cases, members of the administrative staff will work from home; academic staff members will teach remotely, using Zoom, and conduct research and other academic activities from home; and students in this situation will be allowed to complete their learning by watching recordings and through distance learning.

Academic Staff members should update the Secretariats for Student Affairs and Teaching regarding absences and will determine appropriate teaching arrangements.  Administrative Staff members should update the managers of the respective units. Students will report their absences to the teachers ASAP and update them once the verified patients have recovered.

2. Obligation to wear masks. In recent weeks, there has been a troubling laxness in wearing masks in classrooms and corridors. Wearing a mask is an effective means of reducing the risk of infection and is also a mandatory requirement according to law. COVID-19 inspectors have been instructed to warn those who are endangering public health by not wearing masks.  After one warning, the inspectors will be forced to issue a fine. Additionally, the teachers should begin classroom lessons only after all those present in class, except the instructor (during the lesson), have put on their masks.

These measures—which come in addition to permitting entry to campus only to those with a "green pass"—are somewhat burdensome for routine operations, but are necessary to protect the health of all members of the University community. Taking these precautions increases the chance that we will be able to continue routine activity at the University.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

In all matters related to policy pertaining to COVID-19, please contact the head of the Emergency and Security Division, Mr. Yoav Attias, corona@savion.huji.ac.il.

Best regards,

Prof. Asher Cohen, President

Prof. Barak Medina, Rector

Mr. Yishai Fraenkel, Vice President and Director General