The spread of COVID-19 has increased in the past few days, as around 200 people test positive for Covid daily. The number of people with COVID Is likely a lot higher as many test positive at home, don’t get their results confirmed with the healthcare clinics, and are not counted in the healthcare system’s official numbers. The Directorate of Health stated that most new infections are in people who have not had covid, while people who have already had COVID and are infected again amount to under 10% of cases.
Just under 30 people are hospitalised in the National Hospital with COVID-19, and two are in ICU, one of which requires a ventilator. Most hospitalised people are over 70, but severe illness is most common in people who have had three or fewer vaccinations.
The public, especially those over 80 years old, is encouraged to keep up personal infection preventions and get vaccinated if they haven’t already had their shot. People over 80 and those living in nursing homes are encouraged to receive their second booster shot.
The National Hospital is reinstating its mask requirements and limiting the number of visitors due to the increase in new COVID cases. All guests and staff at the hospital are required to wear masks, and visiting hours are limited to one visitor for one hour per patient.
In an interview with RÚV, Chief Epidemiologist Þórólfur GUðnason stated that authorities will not be responding to the increase in infections by reinstating infection prevention restrictions just yet. “It’s crystal clear that the nation is not inclined to reinstate restrictions. It’s the government that has the final say in these matters,” Þórólfur told RÚV.
