Let's become a stronger and more united community.

For the first time in Icelandic history, a lockdown was imposed at midnight last Sunday for 4 weeks, which has a wide-ranging impact on society. In major projects such as this, the emergency management of the municipalities is tested, operating from a plan developed in accordance with the tiered structure and guidelines of civil protection authorities. The emergency management team of Hafnarfjörður currently meets daily and is composed of the municipality's department heads and key managers. The local newspaper Hafnfirðingur spoke with Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, the mayor.

„The emergency management team is intended to coordinate information and communication channels within the municipality when an emergency arises, activate response plans, prioritise tasks, ensure the public good and minimise potential damage,“ says Rósa. The situation is reviewed, how things are going, where improvements and fixes are needed, and decisions are made with the well-being and best interests of the individuals and the community in mind. „But the greatest strain is on the fantastic staff who work for the municipality. I am filled with immense gratitude for all of them, not least those who have recently been working around the clock to ensure the welfare of the most vulnerable individuals in the community, as well as in the school system, where it is a great challenge to make things work for thousands of schoolchildren in line with the instructions given by the health authorities and civil defence.“

Everyone is doing their best

Asked what it is like to be a mayor in such times, Rósa says they are truly unusual and that many challenging tasks are being tackled. „Certainly, there is a lot to consider for a mayor, as for most others. The task is to look after the life, health and well-being of all of us, while at the same time trying to ensure the municipality's statutory services as much as possible in these circumstances. It is important that we keep our cool, stick together, remain positive and hopeful, and let reason be our guide. Let us show care, consideration and tolerance towards what is said and what is left unsaid. Everyone is doing their best, and much more than that. I feel that shines through strongly in all the responses of the people in our strong community here in Hafnarfjörður.“

Freedom is not a given and is the foundation of a good quality of life.

Opinions have widely emerged that times like these will change people's mindsets and habits. When asked, Rósa agrees and says she can already see it in her immediate surroundings. „This reminds us more than ever how precious health is and how good we have it in Iceland. The freedom we enjoy here is not a given, but it is the foundation of the quality of life we have as a nation. Our young people, who know nothing other than being able to take things for granted, are now about to feel this directly for themselves. To feel how important it is for all aspects of society to function, as they are the foundation of the welfare and modern life that we know and want.“ At the same time, the nation is experiencing a great sense of solidarity and helpfulness, which is manifesting itself in various ways. „Older people are very much on my mind; it is difficult not to be able to visit them and to know that they may be feeling lonely in these circumstances. Within the City of Hafnarfjörður, we are trying to find ways to support these individuals. It is also clear that a great deal of experience will come from using technology, for example with regard to remote meetings and distance learning. We will use such things to a much greater extent after this period. This has major environmental and economic implications for society.“

Wants to see a significant reduction in insurance premiums

Asked how she envisions the community in Hafnarfjörður rising again after this period, Rósa believes that a great learning process will accompany it. „The task now is to follow the instructions of the authorities, and everyone bears responsibility in this regard. The economic impact will be significant, but an analysis of the potential financial effects has begun at the level of local authorities and the government. I have been advocating, now more than ever, that a significant reduction in the insurance levy is something that would benefit local authorities, as well as all other employers.“ Although revenues are contracting, it is crucial that public bodies do everything possible to keep projects and the like moving forward. „We must do our part to keep the wheels of commerce turning. There is great uncertainty, but although we are going through a valley, we hope it will not be too deep or prolonged. But let us not be afraid – spring is just around the corner. Enjoy the company of our loved ones, do fun things together, read, cook healthy food, play games, knit, garden, meditate, enjoy the outdoors and keep active. Together, we will come out of this stronger and more united than ever before.“

An interview with Rósa was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 19 March 2020.