Changes to the restrictions from 4 May 2020

The announcement means that, from its date of entry into force, the rules on caps on numbers and the two-metre social distancing requirement will no longer apply to pupils in the activities of nursery and primary schools. This will therefore make it possible to maintain uninterrupted teaching and childcare. The same applies to children in the care of childminders, in after-school clubs, youth centres and other statutory services at the nursery and primary school level. Swimming pools and gyms will remain closed to the public, but school swimming lessons will be permitted.

By the end of May, it will be assessed whether further restrictions can be lifted. 

The government's plans for easing restrictions on gatherings and school opening were presented at a press conference by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Justice on 14 April. The changes are detailed precisely in the regulation published on 21 April. In the accompanying memorandum from the Director of Public Health, dated 19 April 2020, which is an addendum to his previous memoranda to the Minister of Health presented on 14 April, is a good overview of the main changes the announcement entails regarding school activities at all levels, children's and adults' sports activities, etc. The Director of Public Health proposes to the Minister of Health that, towards the end of May, the possibility of further lifting restrictions on gatherings will be considered. Provided nothing prevents such changes, the aim will be to increase the gathering limit from 50 to 100 people, and to reopen swimming pools and gyms, etc.

It should be reiterated that the accompanying announcement on restricting gatherings due to the pandemic will not come into effect until 4th May. From the same time, the current regulations on limiting gatherings and on restricting school activities will be repealed.

Attachments:

• Notice on the restriction of gatherings due to the pandemic
• Memorandum from the Director of Public Health to the Minister of Health, dated 19 April
• Memorandum from the Director of Public Health regarding the lifting of restrictions on gatherings due to Covid-19 after 4 May 2020, dated 11 April
• Addendum to the memorandum of 11 April regarding the easing of Covid-19 restrictions after 4 May 2020, dated 13 April

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English

Restrictions to be gradually lifted starting 4 May

At a press conference on the 21st of April, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Justice introduced steps to lift the restrictions currently in place in Iceland due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Minister of Health announced her decision to ease restrictions on larger gatherings and limitations on schools and preschools.

As of 4 May, larger gatherings will be limited to 50 people, instead of 20, and service providers, such as hair salons and dentists, will be able to open their doors again. High schools and universities will reopen with certain limitations, while primary schools and preschools will return to normal. The decision is based on the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist.

More than 1,700 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Iceland, and over 100 people have been hospitalised due to the virus. In recent days, the rate of new infections has slowed. The outbreak is thought to have reached its peak and is now on the decline, as a result of wide-ranging containment and mitigation measures. The prevalence of the virus among the general population appears to be around 1%, according to the large-scale screening undertaken by the biotech company deCode. It remains necessary to maintain a certain level of restrictions in order to prevent a second wave of infections. Therefore, the Chief Epidemiologist proposes that measures will be lifted incrementally and reviewed every three to four weeks.

Main changes from 4 May

• The limit on large gatherings will increase from 20 to 50 people. The two-metre social distancing rule will still be in effect.
• Schools and preschools will operate normally.
• High schools and universities will reopen, but the 50-person limit and two-metre social distancing measures apply.
• Various services: Hair salons, massage parlours, physiotherapy clinics, beauty salons, museums, and other similar services can reopen, but must maintain the two-metre social distancing rule as much as possible.
• Healthcare: Healthcare and dental practices (elective surgery excluded) will resume.
• Organised sports activities for children are permitted outdoors with limitations: 1) Groups will be limited to no more than 50 children. 2) Participants should keep as much distance as possible, especially in older age groups.
• Other organised sports activities are permitted outdoors with limitations: 1) No more than four individuals may train or play together. 2) Touching is prohibited, and individuals must stay two metres apart. 3) The use of shared equipment should be limited, and all equipment sanitised after each use.
• The following measures will remain in effect: 1) Exemptions for economically significant companies will remain unchanged. 2) As before, grocery stores and pharmacies can allow up to 100 people to enter their premises simultaneously. 3) Swimming pools and gym facilities will remain closed. 3) Nightclubs, bars and similar businesses will remain closed. 4) The Directorate of Health's instructions regarding the postponement of elective surgeries will remain in effect.