What's the government response timeline for Iceland?

Targeted Public information for Travellers ( https://www.landlaeknir.is/english/news/detail/item38811/information-for-travelers)

General Public information available ( https://www.landlaeknir.is/english/news/?portal:componentId=1111&portal:type=action&portal:isSecure=false&portal:portletMode=view&pageNo=1)

"?29 January Chief Epidemiologist advises againstunnecessary travel to China and recommends that people travelling from Chinauntertaken14 days quarantine." https://www.covid.is/categories/icelands-response

A very visible public campaign emphasising awareness of personal habits that reduce transmission risk, such as hand-washing and distancing in social interactions, has been running since early February. Daily press briefings have been held at 14 every day since 27 February ( https://www.government.is/news/article/?NewsId=c65cf658-6eb6-11ea-9462-005056bc4d74)

"3 February Iceland defines high-risk areas, including Northern Italy and Tyrol, earlier than other states, taking stricter measures with a 14-day quarantine requirement for all residents returning from those areas." https://www.covid.is/categories/icelands-response

not sure about the start date, but it should be after the first case (Feb 28) and before the report (MAR 9th) “From the beginning, Icelandic authorities have taken important steps for effective detection of infections. Therefore, we have been able to identify a high number of infected individuals,” Þórólfur Guðnason, Chief Epidemiologist says. “The National Police has contacted all Icelanders who have returned from high-risk areas and those who may have been in contact with them to reiterate requirements for quarantine." https://www.government.is/news/article/?NewsId=422e5545-5e45-11ea-9455-005056bc530c https://www.government.is/news/article/?NewsId=422e5545-5e45-11ea-9455-005056bc530c

not sure about the start date, but it should be after the first case (Feb 28) and before the report (MAR 9th) ““From the beginning, Icelandic authorities have taken important steps for effective detection of infections. Therefore, we have been able to identify a high number of infected individuals,” Þórólfur Guðnason, Chief Epidemiologist says. “The National Police has contacted all Icelanders who have returned from high-risk areas and those who may have been in contact with them to reiterate requirements for quarantine." https://www.government.is/news/article/?NewsId=422e5545-5e45-11ea-9455-005056bc530c https://www.government.is/news/article/?NewsId=422e5545-5e45-11ea-9455-005056bc530c

Tax reliefs already implemented early on during the crisis, especially for the tourism sector but other sectors could postpone their tax payments as well or had them reduced. https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/03/10/-Economic-response-to-COVID-19-/

the report on Mar 13 says that "Those numbers include the first results of the voluntary tests on people with no symptoms, which started last Friday." https://www.buzzfeed.com/albertonardelli/coronavirus-testing-iceland

https://www.government.is/news/article/?NewsId=f96a270c-66e8-11ea-945f-005056bc4d74

A ban on gatherings of 100 or more persons was imposed on 15 March with the objective of slowing the rapid spread of COVID-19. https://www.covid.is/categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

"Workplaces enforce rules themselves Venues and organisations hosting events for groups smaller than 100 individuals are also subject to stricter guidelines, primarily ensuring that there are two metres of space between attendees. Workplaces and institutions are charged with applying and enforcing the regulation themselves." https://www.icelandreview.com/society/iceland-bans-gatherings-over-100-due-to-covid-19/

According to the Icelandic government, the ban on gathering applies to all public events. If the ban on gathering includes gatherings of over 100 people, the same goes for public events. https://www.covid.is/categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

"As of Thursday, March 19, 2020, Icelanders and others residing in Iceland and arriving in Iceland are required to undergo a two-week quarantine regardless of where they come from." https://www.landlaeknir.is/um-embaettid/frettir/frett/item39945/Utvikkun-ahaettusvaeda-vegna-COVID-19

"The government of Iceland has closed its borders for all non-EU/EEA nationals in compliance with a shared decision taken by the EU Commission and EU Council" https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/iceland-starts-implementing-schengen-and-eu-travel-ban/

"Government takes on up to 75% of salaries" https://www.icelandreview.com/politics/icelandic-government-presents-economic-response-package-to-covid-19-crisis/

Relief has been further broadened by adding additional tax postponements with a focus on costs that amount for private households, postponement of pension fund payments possible as well https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/03/21/Icelandic-Government-announces-1.6bn-USD-response-package-to-the-COVID-19-crisis/

"Sports clubs, hair salons and similar establishments are closed." https://www.covid.is/categories/icelands-response

"The Icelandic government has announced a ban on gatherings of 20 people or more, starting Tuesday 24 March 2020." https://www.government.is/news/article/?newsid=2f49a0ac-6c74-11ea-9462-005056bc4d74

'On April 1, Iceland launched an app that uses GPS to locate people who may have been in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients. A message containing a download link for the app will be sent to all Icelanders; downloading it and then agreeing to disclose GPS data are both voluntary, but for it to work as intended 60% will need to opt in.' (1.) // As of May 11, c. 38% of the population had downloaded the app, and officials state its efficacy has been limited: ' I would say it [Rakning] has proven useful in a few cases, but it wasn’t a game changer for us.”' (2.) https://privacyinternational.org/examples/3598/iceland-launches-voluntary-app-contact-tracing (1.) https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/05/11/1001541/iceland-rakning-c19-covid-contact-tracing/ (2.)

"Two European countries currently buck the trend of school closures for primary and lower secondary schools. Sweden and Iceland are relying upon stricter social distancing and hygiene measures to prevent further transmission of the virus – but only upper secondary and tertiary education institutions have been required to close." https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/how-covid-19-affecting-schools-europe_en

"The 20-person gathering ban in Iceland has been extended until May 4th. The initial ban was due to expire on April 13th, but yesterday Þórólfur Guðnason, Iceland’s epidemiologist advised an extension and this afternoon Svandís accepted the proposal. There will be no changes to the ban on gatherings of over 20 people until May 4th and approved exemptions remain valid. Plans to remove restrictions in stages once the outbreak has subsided are expected to be released by the end of the month." https://grapevine.is/news/2020/04/03/covid-19-update-gathering-ban-extended-until-may/

The Minister of Health announced on April 22 that from Friday April 24th, international arrivals to Iceland must be quarantined for 14 days from their day of arrival and temporary internal Schengen border controls will be introduced on the same day. Barring any changes in the medical and scientific advice, these rules will remain in place until at least May 15th. https://www.government.is/news/article/?newsid=058de3e7-84a8-11ea-9458-005056bc530c

'Relaxation of ban on gatherings and school activities effective. The limit on the number of people who may gather is increased from 20 to 50. Preschools and primary schools open, athletic and youth activities are unrestricted. Upper secondary schools, universities, and other activities can re-open.' https://www.covid.is/categories/icelands-response https://www.voanews.com/europe/iceland-prepares-reopen-schools-some-businesses

Hair salons and dentists resumed businesses from Monday.Link: https://theprint.in/world/not-just-india-these-12-countries-also-eased-their-covid-19-restrictions-on-monday/414300/ 2:As of May 4, dentist offices, physiotherapy clinics, massage parlours, libraries, and museums were permitted to reopen. Swimming pools reopened on May 18. Gyms, bars, clubs, and slot machines remain closed but are set to reopen on May 25. Link https://www.icelandreview.com/ask-ir/whats-the-status-of-covid-19-in-iceland/

celandic authorities loosened some restrictions on May 4, permitting gatherings of up to 50 people (up from the previous limit of 20) as long as a two-metre distance is maintained between individuals. Grocery stores and pharmacies may allow up to 100 people inside at once, provided space allows for a two-metre distance between individuals. Link https://www.icelandreview.com/ask-ir/whats-the-status-of-covid-19-in-iceland/

On a per-capita basis, no country has done more testing. Authorities there have tested around 13.5% of its population.We opened up a screening center and offered to anyone in Iceland who would want to be screened to come and be screened. And then we did a random sample of the population. And it turned out that (both screens) gave us around the same percentage of infected (0.8%). We did not just screen. We took samples of the virus from every person infected.The Icelandic health care system started to screen on the 31st of January. They screened for a whole month before the first patient was identified. We (deCODE) started to screen on the 13th of March. The health care system was screening the high-risk individuals, those who already had signs or symptoms of the disease. We were screening the general population Link: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2020-05-04/what-iceland-can-teach-the-world-about-minimizing-the-coronavirus

The Government of Iceland announced upon 12th May that it expects to start easing restrictions on international arrivals no later than 15 June 2020, while from 15 May some professionals arriving in Iceland including scientists, filmmakers and athletes will be eligible for a modified quarantine. The exact details of the revisions will be decided by the Government’s multisector working group, however it is expected they will give travelers the choice between a test for the virus on arrival or a two-week quarantine. Link: https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/05/12/Testing-for-international-arrivals-could-start-in-June/

With the opening of gyms, bars, clubs, swimming pools, and lottery machines with social distancing measures in place, managers are responsible for informing employees about the company's contingency plan and what rules apply to their operations during the Covid-19 outbreak. Government COVID website: https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/workplaces https://www.covid.is/categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

Restrictions valid until 21 June. ?'Organised activities covered by the ban on gatherings are following: conferences, symposia, meetings, organised outside gatherings and similar events. Recreational events such as concerts, plays, film screenings, athletic events, and private parties. Religious ceremonies of any type, including funerals, weddings, confirmation ceremonies, and other religious gatherings. ?Following activities are permitted: Gym facilities may have a number of practitioners equal to half the maximum permitted number under the operating license. Limits of 200 people in the facility along with the two meters rule between individuals is followed, as much as possible. Special attention should be paid to hygiene and hand washing. Nightclubs, bars and game rooms. Lottery machines are open if disinfected and limits of 200 people along with the two meters rule between individuals is followed, as much as possible. Sanitation and hand washing are encouraged. Public swimming pools are open with restrictions. Children, born in 2015 and earlier, are not included in count of the facilities. Healthcare services, dental practices and physiotherapy. Hair salons, massage parlours, physical therapy clinics, beauty parlours, museums, and other similar services. Organised sports activities for children in kindergarten and elementary school are allowed without any restrictions. Sanitation and handwashing is encouraged and the two-meter social distancing rule should be respected as much as possible. Organised sports for adults (including sport activities in high schools and universities) are permitted with the same restrictions as gym facilities (see above). https://www.covid.is/categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

Restrictions valid until 21 June. 'The ban on gatherings applies to activities where more than 200 people come together. At all smaller gatherings, it must also be ensured to have the opportunity to maintain a distance of 2 meters from other people whenever practicable.' https://www.covid.is/categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

Government confirms testing on all adult arrivals to begin from 15 June. https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/06/02/Testing-for-international-arrivals-to-start-on-15-June/

While gatherings of up to 500 people are allowed, the following are still banned: "Conferences, symposia, meetings, organised outside gatherings and similar events. Recreational events such as concerts, plays, film screenings, athletic events, and private parties. Religious ceremonies of any type, including funerals, weddings, confirmation ceremonies, and other religious gatherings. Other similar events involving 500 or more individuals." https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

On June 15, the Minister of Health announced a further relaxation of the restrictions of gatherings that have been in place due to COVID-19. The main change is that larger gatherings will now be limited to 500 people, up from 200 people. The existing restrictions for swimming pools and fitness centres at 75% of the maximum capacity will also expire on 15 June. https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/06/16/Easing-of-restrictions-on-gatherings-on-15-June/

The Government has announced that all passengers arriving in Iceland from 15 June can choose to be tested for COVID-19 (free of charge for an initial two-week period) or quarantine for two weeks. https://www.covid.is/categories/tourists-travelling-to-iceland

While the previous policy was only until 5th July, I cannot find any news on public events now being allowed. The gathering size allowance is being increased on August 4th, so I assume that public events are still banned until then. https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

On July 10, the Minister of Health announced that during the first five days after arrival in Iceland, Icelanders and residents in Iceland should: • not attend gatherings of more than ten people, • avoid close contact with individuals that are at risk of severe illness or otherwise vulnerable to the disease, • maintain a distance of two meters when interacting with others, • avoid handshakes and hugs, • practice good personal hygiene such as thorough handwashing. However, during this period, Icelanders and residents in Iceland can: • use public transport to reach their destination, • go for a drive, • go grocery shopping, • meet friends and family with the above-mentioned limitations https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/07/10/Icelanders-and-residents-in-Iceland-to-take-special-precautions-on-arrival-in-Iceland/

On July 3, the Minister of Health has agreed to the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations to revise the current border-screening regulations, to be issued and effective no later than 13 July. The revision will only apply to Icelandic citizens and residents of Iceland who choose to be tested at the border. They would be required to self-quarantine for five days and undergo a second test, free of charge, to eliminate the risk of a false-negative result. As before, it will be possible to choose to self-quarantine for 14 days instead of undergoing a test at the border. In his recommendations, the Chief Epidemiologist says the experience of border screening has revealed a risk of false-negative results in recently-infected individuals. This poses a risk of cluster infections who pose, especially in the case of individuals with an extensive network in Iceland. Therefore, he proposes that the revised rules will only apply to Icelandic citizens and residents in Iceland, but not to tourists. https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/07/03/COVID-19-Decision-on-revised-border-screening-regulations/

Iceland's chief epidemiologist has decided that as of Thursday 16 July, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Germany will be removed from the list of high-risk countries. The effect of this change is that travellers arriving from these countries will be exempt from the quarantine and screening requirements that are generally applicable to passengers arriving in Iceland. Icelanders returning home will also be exempt from mandatory precautionary measures but are encouraged to show caution in the first few days after arrival. A condition for the exemption is that the traveller has not visited an area that is classified as high-risk in the 14 days prior to arrival in Iceland. Those born in 2005 and later continue to be exempt from quarantine and screening requirements. The chief epidemiologist will update the list of high-risk countries as the evidence develops. https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/07/14/Travellers-from-Denmark-Norway-Finland-and-Germany-to-be-exempt-from-screening-and-quarantine-requirements/ On July 16 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced that the European Union Member States have updated the list of countries for which travel restrictions at the external border should be gradually lifted. Two countries have been removed from the list: Serbia and Montenegro. The list will be revised every two weeks. The Minister of Justice has issued a new regulation in line with the updated list. The regulation is effective as of today, 16 July, and the exemption from travel restrictions applies to those that have demonstratable residence in one of the following states and are travelling to Iceland from their respective state of residence. The states are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/07/16/Revised-list-residents-of-twelve-non-EEA-and-Schengen-states-allowed-to-visit-Iceland/

Gathering restriction to be loosened from 500 people to 1000 people on August 4th. https://www.icelandreview.com/society/iceland-to-further-loosen-covid-19-restrictions-in-august/

Authorities ask people to refrain from attending illegal gatherings over Merchant's Weekend. "They specifically ask people not to gather in large unplanned events, breaking disease prevention measures that limit gatherings to 500 people." https://www.icelandreview.com/news/authorities-ask-young-people-to-show-good-sense-on-merchants-weekend/

No changes https://www.covid.is/categories/tourists-travelling-to-iceland

Renewed restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic will be put in place on Friday 31 July (gathering limit set at 100 individuals). Museums, clubs, and other establishments open to the public, where the 2-meter rule cannot be maintained, should temporarily halt their operations. Bars and restaurants must close by 11 PM as before. Coded as 'Recommend closing', as they aren’t able to open if they cannot meet social distancing requirements (in line with instructions in FAQ). https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/07/30/Iceland-takes-precautionary-measures/

Gathering limit set at 100 individuals: "Renewed restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic will be put in place on Friday 31 July, the Minister of Health has decided based on the recommendations by the Chief Epidemiologist. These measures are taken in response to two clusters of infections that have been identified in the past few days, one of which has not been traced to a definite source." https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/07/30/Iceland-takes-precautionary-measures/

According to Unesco, all schools are allowed to operate in iceland https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Some businesses are allowed to operate but a two-meter distance should be observed and face masks must be worn. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Public events remain cancelled and all gatherings are limited to 100 people. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

All gatherings are limited to 100 people. a two meter distance should be observed, and face masks should be worn if the two meter distance cannot be observed. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Public transport is allowed to continue, although social distancing and wearing of face masks must be observed. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Workplaces, restaurants and bars are allowed to open and operate on a curfew. People are allowed to leave their homes as long as social distancing is observed and face masks are worn https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Public transport and domestic flights are operational https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

he Directorate of Health has published detailed guidelines for those travelling to Iceland from June 15. As of June 15, travellers to Iceland have the option to be tested for COVID-19 upon entry at Keflavík Airport (or whatever their point of entry) or undergo a 14-day quarantine. Icelandic citizens and residents who opt for a test at the border must still undergo a five-day quarantine and a follow-up test (at no cost). As of July 31, all travellers arriving from high-risk areas who will be staying in Iceland for 10 days or longer are required to take a follow-up COVID-19 test 4-5 days after they are tested at the border. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Key measures to support households and firms include tax cuts, deferrals, and loss offsets; increased unemployment benefits, child allowances, quarantine grants, state contributions to firms’ dismissal costs to prevent bankruptcies of viable firms and protect workers’ rights; and state-guaranteed bridge loans to companies https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

ey measures to restart the economy include public investment, tax incentives for real estate improvement, temporary tax relief for the tourism sector, and marketing efforts to encourage tourism in Iceland https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There is a coordinated public information campaign https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Covid-19 testing is available for people and travelers https://globetrender.com/2020/07/28/covid-19-testing-iceland-keflavik-airport-review/

The Government of Iceland is using widespread and comprehensive testing protocols. https://www.healtheuropa.eu/controlling-and-preventing-infection-spread-in-iceland/101614/

No change: " Restrictions on school activities are lifted as of Monday, 4 May 2020. Pre-schools and primary schools will resume normal activities, and students will not be subject to distance requirements or limits on the number who may gather together. This applies as well to pre-school and primary school children’s extracurricular activities, such as athletics, youth groups and recreational activities, and music studies. Upper secondary and university-level students may begin meeting in their school buildings but must comply with rules limiting groups to 500 persons in the same space (from June 15) and must maintain a distance of at least two metres from one another when possible." https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/children-and-teens

" All businesses and establishments open to the public must: ensure access to hand sanitizers for the general public and employees at the entrance and in the vicinity of surfaces that are frequently touched, e.g. touch screens and checkout counters ensure that frequently touched surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected remind the public and employees of individual protection with markers and signs Swimming pools and restaurants must ensure social distancing of 2 meters between guests and a number limit of guests in accordance with the size of each space. Activities that by their nature involve guests using common equipment, e.g. sports activities, fitness centers, slots and arcades shall disinfect such equipment between users or close close temporarily if that is not possible. Museums, entertainment venues and other public places must ensure social distancing of 2 meters and comply with number limits or close temporarily if that is not possible. The opening hours of nightclubs and bars will continue until 23:00." https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

No policy change identified

"Limit of larger gatherings. 100-person limit of larger gatherings. Children born 2005 or later are not included in this number." https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/what-is-ban-on-public-events

"All passengers arriving in Iceland on or after 19 August 2020 can choose to either self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival or take two COVID-19 tests, one on arrival and another 5-6 days later." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland/entry-requirements

"Key measures to support households and firms include tax cuts, deferrals, and loss offsets; increased unemployment benefits, child allowances, quarantine grants, state contributions to firms’ dismissal costs to prevent bankruptcies of viable firms and protect workers’ rights; and state-guaranteed bridge loans to companies." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Key measures to restart the economy include public investment, tax incentives for real estate improvement, temporary tax relief for the tourism sector, and marketing efforts to encourage tourism in Iceland. " https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19