Crowded Bars in Capital Area

Chief Superintendent Víðir Reynisson.

Chief Superintendent Víðir Reynisson. Kristinn Magnússon

Vala Hafstað

Saturday night, police officers visited 24 bars and restaurants in Reykjavík and vicinity to make sure that rules regarding disease prevention and restrictions on public gatherings were being followed.

Out of those 24 businesses, conditions were unacceptable in 15 of them, mbl.is reports.

In particular, the number of guests was oftentimes such that it was impossible to respect the 2-meter social distancing rule.

In July, when this picture was taken, the 2-meter rule …

In July, when this picture was taken, the 2-meter rule was optional. That's no longer the case. Kristinn Magnússon

“Owners and their representatives were given a warning when needed and advised about improvements to be made,” a statement from the police reads. “The police take this seriously in light of the situation and, therefore, stricter measures are being considered, such as issuing fines.”

“Clearly, when a place is crowded enough that police officers deem it unsafe for them to enter, then something is not right there,” Chief Superintendent Víðir Reynisson tells mbl.is.

Police have received reports that at some fitness centers, guests fail to disinfect the equipment after use. Víðir hopes that the owners of bars and fitness centers can be trusted to follow the rules.

At a press conference yesterday, police stated they would indeed start fining businesses that disregard the 2-meter rule.

Bars and restaurants close at 11 pm, at which time many people flock to house parties. “The 2-meter rule applies everywhere,” Víðir states “-at house parties, too.”

Weather

Clear sky

Today

-1 °C

Partly cloudy

Later today

4 °C

Partly cloudy

Tomorrow

1 °C