Why is a coronavirus coordinator needed?

A coordinating force for coronavirus issues is needed in view of the University’s size and structure – the idea is to help the University Management obtain a shared and united picture of the situation. This common operating picture will take account of the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection among staff and students at all levels who are associated in one way or another with Uppsala University, and it will also indicate the measures taken to prevent and thwart the spread of COVID-19 in our premises. As coordinator I work with other people in the organisation, particularly heads of faculty offices and heads of division in the administration, and act within the existing line management structure.”

 

What is your role as coordinator?

I am intended to serve as a link between the management and the operational branches of the University. My main task is to keep the management informed about coronavirus developments at the University from a helicopter perspective.”

 

Any particularly important measures so far?

Drawing up a common operating picture for Uppsala University, as perceived by both the operational branches and management.”

 

The greatest challenge?

Well, perhaps initially getting everyone to understand that coordination is necessary. In the academic community, there’s always a certain critical attitude towards new mandates and roles – which I think is healthy. However, the purpose is not to make things more difficult for the ordinary line organisation; quite the contrary, the idea is to make things easier.”

 

Should people get in touch with you if they’re worried?

Coronavirus issues should be dealt with in the line organisation, so there is no cause to get in touch with me personally. Where considered appropriate, issues that arise will end up on my desk anyway, via the ordinary line organisation.

I see the coordination role as another step in Uppsala University’s very thorough effort to defeat COVID-19 together,” Blomqvist concludes.