Covid-19 – cautious easing from 8 February
Health Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir has approved the recommendations of the Director of Public Health, which include cautious relaxations of the gathering restrictions from 8 February. The general limit on gatherings will remain 20 people, but with more generous exceptions than until now. The rules on a 2-metre distance requirement and the mandatory wearing of face coverings will remain unchanged.
Health Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir has approved the recommendations of the Director of Public Health, which include cautious relaxations of the gathering restrictions from 8 February. The general limit on gatherings will remain 20 people, but with more generous exceptions than until now. The rules on a 2-metre distance requirement and the mandatory wearing of face coverings will remain unchanged.
See the announcement on the website of the Cabinet Office.
Valid until 3rd March.
Entertainment venues, clubs, casinos and amusement arcades will be permitted to reopen, subject to conditions. Capacity limits for live performances will be increased from 100 to 150 people, and religious and belief organisations will be permitted to hold ceremonies, including funerals, with a maximum of 150 people. The maximum number of customers in shops will be 150, taking into account the size of the premises, and the same applies to visitors in museums. Health and fitness centres may reopen their changing rooms, and gym workouts will be permitted under conditions. The new regulation implementing these relaxations is in force until 3 March.
As things stood, the social distancing restrictions were not scheduled to be changed until 18 February, in accordance with the regulation. In a memorandum from the Director of Public Health to the Minister of Health, it states that as the COVID-19 pandemic has been in sharp decline in the country, he considers it justifiable to introduce relaxations earlier than planned. He stresses, however, that caution should be exercised until the COVID-19 vaccination programme has achieved greater coverage among the population.
Restaurants where the service of alcohol is permitted, including restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment venues, must not be open later than 22:00. The same applies to casinos and slot machines. Food and drink may only be served to seated guests. No new guests will be admitted after 21:00.
Exemptions from the 20-person gathering restrictions
The following exemptions apply to the 20-person limit, but the two-metre social distancing and face covering requirements will continue to apply. The size restrictions do not apply to children born in 2005 or later, as they are exempt from the rules on size limits, distancing and the requirement to wear a face covering.
- Faith and belief organisations: There may be 150 adults at all events.
- Shops: A maximum of 150 customers will be permitted in each room that meets the minimum square metreage requirement.
- Collections: A maximum of 150 guests may be accommodated in each room that meets the minimum square metre requirement.
- Performing arts: Seating is available for 150 guests.
Health and fitness centres Changing rooms may reopen and gym training will be permitted, provided there are no more than 20 people in each room and they pre-register. The permitted maximum number of visitors is half the number stipulated in the operating licence. All equipment must be disinfected after use, and individuals must not move between rooms.
Mind games: The rules that have applied to sports training and competitions will now apply in the same way to, for example, chess, bridge and bingo, and comparable mind games.