COVID-19 Restrictions Eased in Iceland

Domestic COVID-19 restrictions were eased in Iceland Saturday, mbl.is reports.

The restrictions on the number of people who are allowed to gather in one location is still set at 200, social distancing at one meter, and the obligation to wear a face mask remains in most circumstances.

The changes include the following:

The one meter rule ceases to apply at among spectators at sports events and stage art events, as well as at religious ceremonies.

The sale of food and beverages is allowed during breaks at sports events and stage art events.

Restaurants may receive up to 200 people in one space.

Fitness centers and swimming pools may receive the maximum number of guests their operating licenses allow.

Museums may now receive the maximum number of guests their operating licenses allow.

Masks do no longer need to be worn at outdoor sports events.

The maximum number of participants at sport practices and competitions may be 200.

Starting in early September, the plan is to allow events with 500 people in attendance on the condition that guests born in 2005 and earlier present the negative results of a rapid COVID-19 antigen test, done no more than 48 hours earlier, mbl.is reports.

According to the government website, rules regarding rapid tests and large events will take effect September 3:

“The Chief Epidemiologist proposes the use of rapid tests in relation to large events but does not recommend the use of self-testing as they are not accurate enough,” a statement on the website reads.  

“Work on the adoption of the proposals will be carried out in the coming days in order to make it possible to accommodate 500 sitting guests in a compartment during an event with no social distancing limits subject to the use of rapid tests. These arrangements will be carried out in close cooperation with those hosting large events.  The provisions of the new regulation about restrictions on gatherings relating to the use of rapid tests at events take effect on the 3rd of September and will then be presented specifically.”

One patient died of COVID-19 at Landspítali National University Hospital over the weekend, mbl.is reports. It was the third COVID-19-related death in Iceland during the fourth wave of the pandemic and the 33^rd death since the pandemic began.

The 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants in Iceland now stands at 294, according to covid.is.