Iceland and COVID-19 update
Today, for the fourth day in a row, there were no new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Iceland. In the last eight days, only two cases have been verified. The number of active COVID-19 cases in the country is down to 18.
May 4 marked the start of substantial easing of the social distancing measures that have been in place in Iceland since March 16. All children's activities are back to normal, gatherings of up to 50 people are now allowed, businesses that require close proximity with customers have resumed, and several other restrictions have been lifted. The next step will be taken on May 18 when, for example, swimming pools will reopen. It has already been announced that further steps toward easing restriction will be taken on May 25.
In an interview with Morgunblaðið, one of the local newspapers in Iceland, last week Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson Foreign Minister of Iceland said that various ways of reopening Iceland to tourism are being discussed by members of the Icelandic government, officials and specialists in the health care sector. One of the options under discussion is whether traveling should be allowed on certain conditions. There is great emphasis on ensuring that there won't be a setback in the fight against COVID-19.
As the summer arrives, the people of Iceland are feeling more optimistic about the future and looking forward to the day when we can once again hug our friends and loved ones.
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19 – including everyone diagnosed with the virus, their friends and family as well as those whose jobs and schools have been impacted.