COVID-19 Update

Only two new cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Iceland yesterday. Active cases have been in a steady decline since April 5 – an indication that the strategy of frequent testing, home-based quarantine and isolation of those with confirmed cases has been effective. The number of active cases is 400, according to covid.is, but was 1,096 at the peak of the pandemic on April 5.

A total of 43,143 people have been tested for the virus in Iceland, representing nearly 12 percent of the nation.

The pandemic has claimed a total of ten lives in Iceland. A woman in her 80s died of the disease at a nursing home in Bolungarvík, the West Fjords, on Sunday, according to the website of the Healtcare Institution of the West Fjords.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country stands at 1,773, and 1,362 of those have already recovered. There are currently 1,109 people in quarantine, while 18,129 have completed quarantine. Twenty-five people are hospitalized, due to COVID-19, and five of those are in intensive care.

Rules regarding the quarantine of people who arrive in Iceland from abroad may be eased after May 15, depending on how the pandemic develops.

The director of health has suggested to the minister of health that a ban on elective surgeries be lifted in early May. This is due to the decreasing load at Landspítali and other health care services.

Medical supplies are sufficient at Landspítali, since Icelandair has completed three flights to China, picking up tons of supplies.