COVID-19: The restrictions on social gatherings to be expanded to 50 persons and more rules will be relaxed from 10 May
The restrictions on the number of people who are allowed in one location will be expanded from 20 to 50, swimming pools, spas and gyms will be able to receive 75% of their permitted maximum number of guests, the maximum number of participants in sports and stage art events will be 75 per each compartment or on stage, and the maximum number of seated guests at events will be extended from 100 to 150 persons. Additionally, the opening time of restaurants will be extended by one hour. Various rules about school activities will be relaxed as well. The Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has decided to make these changes in keeping with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations. They will enter into force on Monday, 10 May and are intended to remain in force for just over two weeks.
The Chief Epidemiologist’s memorandum to the Minister of Health states that various measures taken at the borders in response to group infections that were traced to travellers at the border who did not respect the rules on quarantine and/or isolation have proven effective. In the last several days only a handful of cases have been diagnosed each day in people who are not under quarantine. Therefore, it may be assumed that the above mentioned group infections have been contained, however, the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been eradicated from the community.
The changes that will enter into force on Monday are as follows:
General restrictions on gatherings will be expanded from 20 to 50. Children born in 2015 and after will continue to be exempt.
The 2 metre general distance rule will continue to apply.
The obligation to wear a face mask and the instructions on mask use will remain unchanged. Children born in 2005 and after will continue to be exempt from using face masks.
Swimming pools and spas, ski areas, camp-sites and museums will be open for 75 % of their permitted maximum number of guests. Children born in 2015 and after are not counted into that number.
Gyms will be open for 75 % of their permitted maximum number of guests, but with no more than 50 persons in each separate space. Other conditions will remain unchanged.
Sports: The maximum number of participants in sports will be 75 instead of the previous 50 in each compartment.
Stage arts: The maximum number of participants will be 75 instead of the previous 50 in each compartment/on stage.
Sitting guests at events: The maximum number of audience members or guests at sit-down events, such as sports competitions, stage arts events, religious and life stance association ceremonies, will be 150 in each disease prevention compartment instead of the previous 100. Other conditions will remain unchanged.
Shops: The maximum number of customers in shops will be 200 instead of the previous 100.
Restaurants: The opening time will be extended by one hour, from 21:00 to 22:00. Patrons must have left the restaurant before 23:00.
Schools:
The maximum number of adults in each separate space will be 50.
The maximum number of children/students will be 100 in each separate space.
Parents and family members are permitted to enter the schools.
Mixing groups of children within each school for swimming lessons and sports activities in primary schools will be permitted.
Events that include outside guests will be permitted as long as the general restrictions are followed.
The mixing of students between areas within universities will also be permitted.