Major Easing of Restrictions Announced in Iceland
Minister of Health Willum Þór Þórsson and PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon
At a press conference this morning, the Icelandic government announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The changes will take effect at midnight.
The maximum number of people allowed to gather will increase from 10 to 50.
The social distancing rule will change from two meters to one.
The use of face masks will remain mandatory where the one-meter social distancing rule can’t be respected.
Swimming pools and fitness centers will be able to operate at 75 percent capacity.
Sports competitions are allowed with 50 participants, and spectators will be permitted anew.
The maximum number of people in stores will be 500.
Bars, night clubs and arcades may open anew.
Restaurants, bars and night clubs may let guests in until 11 pm. Everyone must leave the premises by midnight.
At events where guests are seated, up to 500 guests are allowed in each area. No rapid antigen tests will be required.
No changes are planned in schools.
The new rules will remain in effect for four weeks, that is, through February 24.
For the most part, the new rules follow recommendations made by the chief epidemiologist.
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir noted that by mid-March, all restriction may possibly be lifted in Iceland.
