Dear Hebrew University staff and faculty members,

With the worsening of the morbidity situation, we are continuing to update the University's policy. Our main goal is to reduce the number of cases of infection with the virus, first and foremost to protect the health of all members of the University community, and also to increase the chances that we can carry out the University's core activities in the coming weeks.

1. Teaching in the last week of the semester is being conducted remotely. Until further notice, except for the purpose of conducting an examination, no meetings will be held on University grounds with the presence of more than 10 people in the same room.

2. The number of active stations will be reduced in the libraries and computer labs, so that there will be fewer people present in these complexes. We reiterate that masks should be worn when you are in enclosed areas.

3. Administrative staff works from now on in "capsules". Secretariats will offer services remotely. 

4.  We highly recommended that you avoid eating in common areas. Most of the eateries on campuses remain open, but it is better to pick up the food and take it out with you, to eat in a private space (and not in the eatery itself).

5. It is strictly forbidden to come to campus in any case in which one has developed symptoms of COVID-19 (even if a negative COVID-19 test result is obtained) or of influenza. Anyone living with a verified COVID-19 patient is barred from attending the University for a week from the onset of symptoms. In any case of exposure to a verified COVID-19 patient, wait 48 hours and only then perform a home COVID-19 test. When a negative result on the said COVID-19 test is received, and after the said time, one may return to activity on campus.

6.  Regarding exams, the deans work to ensure that as large a portion of the exams as possible take place remotely. A letter to students emphasizes the importance of adhering to academic integrity and highlights our determination to take disciplinary action in any case of fraud. A minority of exams will be held on campus. Exams administered on campus must be conducted while adhering strictly to the rules of caution: maintaining social distance while in the exam hall and enforcement of the obligation to wear a mask during the exam.

For both students and faculty members, the directive is that it is strictly forbidden to come to an on-campus exam in any case in which the person exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 (even if the COVID-19 test that the person took showed a negative result), as well as in cases in which the student is a verified COVID-19 patient, or has been exposed to a verified COVID-19 patient before the exam or is living with a verified COVID-19 patient. Being present for an exam on campus exam with COVID-19 symptoms, or suspicion of having been infected with COVID-19, constitutes a serious disciplinary offense.  A student who is unable to attend an exam being held on campus due to such personal medical reasons will sit for the exams during the second exam sitting date, and if necessary, will be eligible to sit for the exam on a special date, after submitting a reasoned application to the department's teaching committee. Students who are at high risk of developing complications in the event of contracting COVID-19, or students who reside with a family member who is at risk of developing complications as stated, have been instructed to contact the department's secretariat, in order that the option of sitting for the exam in an isolated room be arranged for him/her. In special cases, please refer the student to the accessibility unit in the Dean of Students office.

7. The activity in the research laboratories continues, but the heads of the laboratories must reduce the number of those present in the laboratory at any given time. Please report the academic unit's academic director of the arrangements set in the lab. Be sure to wear a mask and instruct students to completely avoid coming to the lab (and to completely avoid coming to campus in general) in any case in which they develop COVID-19 (or flu) symptoms, and also in any case in which the person residing with them has been diagnosed as having COVID-19.

We wish you good health. Hopefully we can get back to routine at the beginning of the second semester.

Best regards,

Asher Cohen, President           

Barak Medina, Rector,

Yishai Fraenkel, Vice-President and Director General