Restrictions to Remain in Place

The Icelandic minister of health has decided to extend current regulations regarding limits on public gatherings and the operation of schools through December 8, mbl.is reports. This is done in accordance with recommendations from the chief epidemiologist, who advises against the easing of restrictions at this time, due to the pandemic’s development in recent days.

You can view all the current restrictions here.

A week ago, the chief epidemiologist assumed that restrictions could be eased to some extent on December 2, and he had sent the minister his recommendations to that effect.

He did, however, reserve the right to review his recommendations, should the pandemic take an unexpected turn. Since then, cluster infections have developed, and the number of daily confirmed new cases has risen. In addition, there seems to be a linear growth, which might even turn exponential, in the number of people not in quarantine when diagnosed.

For this reason, the chief epidemiologist suggests there be no changes made to disease prevention measures for the coming week or two. Disease prevention measures are constantly being reassessed. One of the things being looked at is whether there will be reason to ease restrictions sooner outside the capital area than within it.

According to covid.is, 18 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Iceland yesterday. Seven of the people diagnosed were not in quarantine. One patient died of COVID-19 at Landspítali National University Hospital yesterday, bringing the total death toll from the pandemic in Iceland to 27. 

The 14-day incidence per 100,000 inhabitants stands at 54.3.