The Directorate of Health has published a health alert notice for travellers regarding COVID-19 in Icelandic, English, and Chinese. Hotels, guesthouses and other accommodations, as well as tour operators and information centres, are encouraged to print out the information and have it visible in their reception. Three cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Iceland, all Icelanders who had recently returned from ski trips in Northern Italy.
The Directorate has also published guidance for frontline service staff in English, Polish, and Spanish.
China, Italy, South Korea and Iran defined as high-risk areas
Icelandic authorities have defined China, Italy (as of Saturday, February 29), South Korea, and Iran as areas with a high risk of infection and have advised against travelling to those countries. Individuals who have been in those countries in the past few days and are in Iceland are advised to stay at home for 14 days as a precaution. Foreign travellers are not being directed to stay in quarantine at this time as they are considered less likely to spread the infection to the general population.
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tenerife have been defined as areas with a low risk of infection. Individuals that are in these areas or have been in these areas for the past few days are advised to pay close attention to personal hygiene. That involves frequent hand washing, using a paper towel/cloth when sneezing/coughing, and using hand sanitizers. Hand washing, avoiding touching of eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding handshaking are key factors in reducing the risk of infection.
Individuals located in Iceland are asked to report symptoms (cough, fever, and muscle aches) that arise 14 days after visiting the abovementioned areas to 1700 (+354 544-4113 for foreign numbers) and review travel history.
For the most up to date information on COVID-19 in Iceland, visit the website of the Directorate of Health.
