Hafnarfjörður annual festival postponed – preventative measures reiterated

The National Commissioner of Police has declared a state of emergency under civil protection in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The first domestic infections were confirmed yesterday, and the number has now risen to at least four. Following this, it was decided to declare a state of emergency. This is being done, among other reasons, because the infection has now begun to spread domestically. The emergency management team for Hafnarfjörður has met and is in operation, ensuring that the municipality's operations can continue uninterrupted, working according to its contingency plan and making arrangements should staffing levels at the municipality be reduced. The situation is assessed daily.

Hafnarfjörður's annual festival postponed

Civil defence representatives, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, have assessed that staff who work with and care for individuals who fall under the definition of vulnerable groups should avoid taking part in large gatherings. This also applies to staff who provide key infrastructure and services that must remain uninterrupted at all stages of a public emergency, not least during a state of emergency. This applies to many municipal employees, including those in central administration and the town hall. Following a meeting with the Civil Defence early on Saturday morning, 7th March, a decision has been taken to postpone the City of Hafnarfjörður's annual ball indefinitely.

In light of recent events – a major decision that must be in line with the advice of the Civil Defence and the Chief Medical Officer.

It should be reiterated that the decision to postpone the municipalities' large gatherings, such as the annual dinner referred to here, is a huge one. Such a decision needs to be in line with the guidance and advice of the Civil Defence and the Director of Public Health at any given time, and the authorities in Hafnarfjörður have followed their instructions to the letter, as is the duty of local authorities in the area.  Those instructions changed this morning. There are now exceptional circumstances in the country, and a state of emergency was declared yesterday, and the municipality was asked to exercise patience with announcements about postponing gatherings and events. Truly, it would have been better for everyone if a decision had been made sooner, and residents and all concerned are asked to show understanding of the situation.

Preventive measures reiterated

Preventative measures are never spoken about enough; these include hygiene, cleaning, and ensuring good access to hand sanitiser, hand soap and paper towels. Proper hand washing is considered crucial for preventing the spread of infection, and this applies to the common flu as well. 

• See the news article for general advice on the Covid-19 virus for information.
• All the latest information can be found on the website of the Chief Medical Officer.