An online gift store is doing its part to raise awareness regarding social distancing protocols, support hospital workers, and celebrate Civil Protection and Emergency Management Division manager Víðir Reynisson all at the same time.
Online gift purveyor Margt smátt has begun selling t-shirts bearing the slogan “Ég hlýði Víði,” or “I Obey Víðir.” The memorable motto (it’s catchier in Icelandic) quickly became a catchphrase last week after a COVID-19 press conference, in which newly appointed National Police Commissioner Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir remarked that “this all depends on people obeying Víðir.” Shortly after, a frame for profile photos bearing the phrase popped up on Facebook. The frame was designed by one Birgir Ómarsson, who is also behind the t-shirt design.
Víðir has been widely praised for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and is becoming something of a folk hero for his pithy directives and no-nonsense pleas to Icelanders to practice common sense and abide by social distancing regulations.
All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to Von, the sponsoring organization of the National University Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
