COVID-19: Changes to rules on restrictions and school operations
The Health Minister has confirmed new regulations on restrictions for gatherings and school activities, which provide for tightened measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. They came into force at midnight on the night of 4th October. The following is a summary of the main changes, including exemptions to the maximum number of people who may gather, although the general rule is 20 people.
COVID-19: Changes to the rules on social gathering restrictions and school operations
See the announcement on the website of the Cabinet Office.
The Health Minister has confirmed new regulations on restrictions for gatherings and school activities, which provide for tightened measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. They came into force at midnight on the night of 4th October. The following is a summary of the main changes, including exemptions to the maximum number of people who may gather, although the general rule is 20 people.
The maximum number of people who may gather will be 20. Gyms will be closed, as will pubs, entertainment venues and casinos. The number of guests at swimming pools may be a maximum of 50% of the permitted capacity according to their operating licence. Social distancing of 1 metre must be maintained, and where this is not possible, the use of face masks is mandatory.
Exemptions from the 20-person limit
The following are exemptions from the 20-person maximum. Wherever it is not possible to maintain a 1-metre distance, the use of a face covering is mandatory:
- The operations of the Althingi are exempt from quantitative restrictions.
- Courts when exercising their judicial authority.
- Emergency services personnel, such as the police, fire brigade, rescue teams and healthcare professionals, are exempt from the restrictions on their duties.
- The limit for funerals will be 50 people.
- Shops under 1,000 m² in size will be permitted to admit 100 individuals into the same space at any one time, and one additional customer for every 10 m² over 1,000 m², up to a maximum of 200 customers in total.
- Performing arts: Events where 100 people gather in a designated enclosure will be permitted. Seats must be numbered, the name of the guest for each seat recorded, and all audience members must wear a face covering.
- In secondary and higher education, the target will be 30 people.
Contact sports will be permitted with a maximum of 50 individuals, provided certain conditions are met.
Spectators at sporting events: Spectators are not permitted at indoor sporting events. Outdoors, spectators are permitted, up to 100 per space, provided that guests sit in numbered, pre-booked seats and wear a face covering.
Play and primary schools: No restrictions apply to children born in 2005 and later. For older people, a maximum of 30 people per room applies, along with a 1-metre distancing rule and a requirement to wear a face covering if it is not possible to maintain social distance.
Links to new regulations:
Regulations on the restriction of gatherings due to the pandemic
Regulations on the restriction of school activities due to the pandemic