Regulation for Museums

The regulation does not apply to international airports or ports, or to aircraft and ships operating internationally and fishing vessels. Neither does the regulation apply to healthcare institutions, nursing homes and other comparable institutions. These institutions shall set special rules on infection prevention measures.

Limits to the number of people and social distancing do not apply to children born 2016 or later.

Number limits, proximity limits, mask use

Limits to the number of people at gatherings

The maximum number of people allowed in the same location is 200, with certain restrictions, both in public and private locations, outdoors and indoors.

Limits on gatherings and proximity rules do not apply to children born 2016 or later. Children born 2006 or later are not obliged to wear a mask.

Restrictions on the number of people do not apply to public transport, coach travel, domestic flights, passenger ferries and the work of response units (such as the police, fire-fighters, Civil Protection assistants and healthcare workers). In addition, the provision does not apply to the work of the government, the State Council, the Alþingi (Parliament), the National Security Council or when the courts exercise their judicial powers.

Social distancing rules

At all workplaces and in other activities, the one-metre proximity limit between people who are not closely linked must be ensured.

Use of face masks

Masks must be worn wherever the one-metre social distancing rule cannot be observed between individuals who are not closely linked, with the exception of certain events where guests are seated in booked seats. Children born 2006 or later are not obliged to wear a mask.

Face masks shall also be used where it is not possible to ensure a one-metre proximity limit, such as in health services, stores, domestic flights and ferries, public transport, taxis and coaches, in practical driving lessons and flight training, hairdressers, beauty salons, massage parlours, tattoo parlours, dog-grooming salons, tanning salons and other similar activities. Face masks must cover the nose and mouth.

Spectators at sports events and performing arts events such as plays, cinema screenings and concerts are obliged to wear a mask.

Anybody who has already been infected with COVID-19 and completed isolation is exempted from the mask obligation. Furthermore, those who do not have the understanding or maturity to use a face mask correctly or are unable to do so for other reasons, such as health reasons, are exempt from the obligation to wear a mask.

Operations involving particular infection risk

Events with seated guests:

Up to 200 persons may be present during the ceremonies of religious and philosophical associations, stage, cultural and sports events, conferences, lectures, and comparable events provided that the following conditions are met.

Guests may not sit across from each other unless one metre separates them.

The permitted proximity between unrelated parties is one metre in seats.

The participation of all guests must be registered to numbered seats and must state their name, ID No and telephone number. This information is to be preserved for two weeks.
Everyone must wear a face mask and the distance between unrelated parties must be more than one metre.

Intermissions during shows are permitted although refreshments (whether alcoholic or others) during events are not permitted, irrespective of whether such refreshments are for sale or not. During intermissions, guests are to be advised to stay in their seats.

Various operations

Pharmacies, grocery stores and other stores may accept five persons for each 10 m2 of space and may have up to 200 customers in their premises, as long as it is possible to ensure at least a distance of one metre between persons who are unrelated.

Performing arts, cinemas and other cultural events may have up to 100 persons on stage, i.e. during rehearsals and shows. Up to 200 seated guests may be accommodated. Such guests must wear face masks. Seats are to be numbered and labelled with the name of the guest. Selling or offering refreshments during intermissions is not permitted. Children born in 2016 and later are not included in this number.

At the ceremonies of religious and philosophical associations, up to 200 persons may attend. General restrictions apply to funeral receptions, confirmations and comparable events, i.e. 200 persons in the same area.

Restaurants where alcoholic beverages are allowed may not stay open longer than until 23:00 every day, with a maximum of 100 guests in each area and must maintain the one-metre distance rule. All guests must be registered by name, ID No and telephone number. Alcoholic beverages are to be served to seated guests. All guests must have left the location at 00:00.

Nightclubs and bars may be open until 23:00 evrey day, with a maximum of 100 guests in each area. Alcoholic beverages are to be served to seated guests. All guests must be registered by name, ID No and telephone number. All guests must have left the location at 00:00.

Slot machines and gaming rooms may be open until 23:00 every day, with a maximum of 100 guests in each area. Alcoholic beverages are to be served to seated guests. All guests must have left the location at 00:00.

Swimming and bathing pools are open for 75% of their permitted maximum number. Children born in 2016 and later are not included in the number of guests.

Spas and physical training centres are open for 75% of their permitted maximum number, although no more than 200 persons are allowed in each area. Equipment must be disinfected between users and all users must be registered. The use of masks is recommended in common areas. Ventilation and good access to hand sanitisers and equipment disinfectant must be ensured.

Camping grounds and caravan sites can accomodate 200 persons in each infection prevention area. Children born in 2016 and later are not included in this number. Infection prevention areas can be indoors or outdoors. Venues such as camping sites need to be divided up with this in mind. The one-meter proximity rule applies between unrelated parties, otherwise masks must be worn. It is necessary to limit communication between separate travel groups as much as possible.

Museums are open for 75% of their permitted maximum number, although no more than 200 persons.

Sports activities at the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland (ÍSÍ)
Indoor and outdoor sports activities, whether for children or adults, are permitted. The maximum number of participants in each area is 100 persons. Preventive measures must be employed and shared equipment disinfected after use. Ventilation must be in working order and areas are to be regularly ventilated.

Sport competitions for children and for adults are permitted and up to 200 seated guests may be accommodated. Such guests must wear face masks. Seats are to be numbered and registered with the name, ID No and telephone number of the guest. The rules for seated events shall be observed. See above. The sale of refreshments at competition venues is not permitted.

As regards sports that do not belong within the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, guidelines or comparable rules shall be established to ensure compliance with the same guidelines as comparable sports disciplines within the Association.

Workplaces, shops, public buildings and services

The one-metre proximity rule must be ensured between persons in the same area, as must the appropriate maximum number. There should be no contact between various areas.

Infection prevention

Surfaces commonly touched by many people, such as door handles and handrails, must be properly cleaned and disinfected as often as possible.

Access to hand sanitiser at entrances and near surfaces touched by large numbers of people, such as touch keypads, shopping trolleys and cash registers, must be ensured.

Remind the general public and employees of personal infection prevention measures with markings and signs.

New regulations are updated on covid.is