The government has agreed to institute a colour-coded warning system much like the weather warning system used by the Icelandic Meteorological office. The suggestion came from The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the Directorate of Health.
The warning system is meant to increase long-term predictability concerning pandemic infection prevention regulations, in order to minimise damage to the community. It’s not directly related to the Department of Civil Protection’s emergency alert system but rather, it’s intended to better inform the public of what can be expected.
The government has issued a graphic explaining the system, which reveals that the colour codes will include grey (the “New Normal”), yellow (Alert), orange (Increased Risk), and red (Serious). The system will be presented and explained in the next COVID-19 information briefing on Monday.
Iceland Review will be live-tweeting the meeting on Monday at 11 am.
The “New Normal” | Alert | Increased Risk | Serious | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Notice Before Taking Effect | 1-2 weeks | 1 week | Less than a week | Less than three days |
Public Behaviour | Personal infection prevention | Increased personal infection prevention | Reduce contact with people outside your closest circle | Only spend time with your very closest circle |
Gathering Limits | 50-100 people | 50-100 people | 20-50 people | 5-20 people |
Social Distance | 2 metres (6 feet) | 2 metres (6 feet) | 2 metres (6 feet) | 2 metres (6 feet) |
Public Mask Use | Not necessary | Required in public transport and services requiring close proximity | Required in public transport and services requiring close proximity | Required in public transport, shops, when travelling between infection prevention compartments, and services requiring close proximity |
