Iceland will raise its national gathering limit from 10 to 20 people on Thursday and reopen gyms, bars, and swimming pools. The relaxed domestic restrictions, recommended by the country’s Chief Epidemiologist and approved by Iceland’s cabinet this morning, will remain in effect for three weeks.
The main changes that will take effect on April 15 are as follows:
- Gyms and pools will reopen at 50% capacity.
- Sports competitions and athletic activities with or without contact will be permitted among adults and children. The maximum number of adults in such activities is 50. Children are subject to the same gathering limits as in school activities.
- Performing arts activities, including choirs, are permitted with up to 50 performers and maximum 100 guests in each separate section.
- All shops can accept up to 5 guests for every 10 squared metres of space up to a maximum of 100 people, in addition to 20 employees in the same space.
- Nightclubs, pubs, and slot machine venues may operate under the same conditions as restaurants. They must close by 9.00pm.
- Driving and flight lessons are permitted to restart.
- The general distancing rule for schools will be reduced from two metres to one metre. Preschool and primary school children will be permitted to engage in sports and recreational activities.
Iceland currently has 93 active cases of COVID-19 and one of the lowest infection rates in Europe. Only one patient is currently in hospital due to COVID-19. A total of 28,056 have been fully vaccinated (7.6% of the population) and an additional 33,078 have received their first dose (8.97%).
The updated regulations are in line with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations, Health Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir stated in an interview today. No changes will be made to border regulations at this time.
