Iceland: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions until November 3 /update 8

Event

Icelandic authorities have extended most restrictions previously implemented due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least November 3. Gatherings of more than 20 people remain banned, and face masks must be worn nationwide when it's not possible to keep a two meter (6.5ft) distance. The majority of nonessential businesses have been permitted to resume operations with social distancing and hygiene measures implemented.

Other restrictions and social distancing measures, including a minimum of 1m (3ft) interpersonal distance and capacity limits at public swimming pools and sports facilities, remain in place throughout the country. Residents of the EU and Schengen Area, the UK, and other countries deemed low-risk are currently permitted to enter Iceland, while those from other locations deemed high risk are prohibited from entry. There are some exclusions to the entry ban, including freight and transport workers, family members of Icelandic residents, diplomatic staff, students, and those on essential business or traveling for urgent family reasons. All permitted arrivals are required to fill out a pre-registration form prior to departure and must either self-isolate for 14 days or submit to a COVID-19 test on arrival and five days after arrival while remaining in isolation in the intervening period.

As of Tuesday, October 20, health authorities have reported 4193 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iceland, with 11 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.