Bonfires Canceled in Light of COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities in the capital area have jointly decided to cancel all bonfires planned for New Year’s Eve, Morgunblaðið reports. The announcement was made on the website of the City of Reykjavík Monday.

The decision was made at a joint meeting of all the municipalities last Friday.  The maximum number of people allowed to gather in Iceland is ten, and current restrictions will be in effect through January 11. For this reason, the municipalities find it essential not to encourage large gatherings.

“New Year’s Eve bonfires attract large crowds, and the municipalities wish to show responsibility by canceling bonfires this year,” the announcement reads. “All of us are part of civil protection; let’s continue bringing down the number of new infections and improve the current situation.”

In recent years, ten bonfires have been lit in the capital area alone, attracting a number of residents.