Less stringent restrictions on gatherings take effect on 7 September

The ‘social distancing’ rule will be relaxed from 2 metres to 1 metre and the maximum size of gatherings will be increased from 100 to 200 people on Monday, 7 September 2020. These are the main points in a new regulation that has been issued by the Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, on measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, following guidelines proposed by the Cief Epidemiologist.

Other changes to restrictions on meetings under the regulation are as follows:

• The maximum number of guests permitted at any one time in swimming pools, bathing facilities and fitness centres will be raised from 50% to 75% of the numbers permitted under their operating licences.
  
  
• Sports activities, stage performances and other cultural events may take place despite the 1 metre rule; i.e., those involved will be permitted to have physical contact. Spectators or audiences at these activities will be subject to the general rules of 1 metre’s social distancing and a maximum of 200 persons in a restricted area.

The latest closing time of premises with alcohol licences will continue to be 11 p.m. (23.00 hrs).

The regulation issued by the minister has been sent to the Government Gazette for publication. As is stated above, it will take effect on Monday, 7 September 2020.

• Poluzowanie obostrzeń dotyczących ograniczenia zgromadzeń wchodzi w życie od 7 września