From Monday 17 August 2020, the government recommends people traveling by public transport to and from Oslo and in Oslo to wear face masks. The recommendation initially lasts for 14 days.
Learn about the use of face masks and cloth face coverings here
– UiO has prepared for this, and will facilitate for UiO's employees and students to have masks available if need be in connection with work and studies in the beginning of these two weeks, said Rector Svein St?len.
– When it comes to medicine or dentistry, or other study programs entailing close contact with patients and clients, the faculties will issue orders for the use of face masks. In such cases, masks are made freely available to students and staff, said St?len and added:
– At the same time, it is important to emphasise – as the health authorities do – that upholding a social distance of at least 1 meter is the most important infection control measure we have, and it will not be replaced by the use of face masks.
Ordering face masks
A system has been set up allowing the units to order and collect face masks at the Estate Department:
Routines for ordering face masks (PDF in Norwegian)
Working from home
The authorities recommend continued use of home offices as far as possible.
UiO will facilitate for employees to come to work physically, but will also follow the authorities' advice to reduce the number of passengers using public transport.
– We are a large entity, and will balance the need to be physically present with working from home in order to prevent infection. Line managers are responsible for assessing who can be physically present at work to ensure teaching and research, and who should work from home. This is done in consultation with the employee and according to UiO's guide to infection prevention, said St?len and continued:
– I understand well that it is feels unsafe and demanding to return to work in such uncertain times. We must strive for open dialogue, and that together we?ll take the impressive effort from this spring with us into autumn.