All Things Iceland

Iceland Has Lifted All COVID Restrictions – Here is what to Expect


Listen Later

Even though the Health Minister had hinted at removing all restrictions, I honestly didn‘t think it would happen now because of the continued high rate of infections in the country. In the last couple of weeks, the number of new COVID cases has broken records. We have seen numbers way higher than when the pandemic started. Yet, Icelandic Parliament, along with the Chief Epidemiologist, have decided to lift all restrictions.

Reactions to Lifting of COVID Restrictions in Iceland

In this episode, I go over how people are feeling in Iceland about this decision. There are some who are rejoicing, while there are some that are nervous. The most vocal people that are rejoicing are those in the hospitality and travel sector. It has been a rough two years for them, and they are hoping that going back to pre-pandemic life will mean a revival of their businesses.

What the Lifting of Restrictions Means for Travelers to the Country

As of now, there is no obligation to take a test when you land in the country, no quarantine or isolation is required as well. Regardless of your vaccination status, you can enter Iceland without issue. PCR tests are no longer readily available. If you need to take a COVID test, you still have the rapid test (antigen) one available.

You are also not obligated to wear masks or keep your distance from people. If you do feel sick and test positive for COVID, it is recommended that you isolate but that is not being enforced. Basically, you can enter and travel around freely in the country.

Additionally, you do not have to pre-register on covid.is nor do you need to present a vaccination certificate at the border.

Why Has Iceland Lifted All Restrictions When the Virus is still widespread?

Below is a quote from this article on RÚV English regarding Iceland has concluded lifting all restrictions:

The memo to the minister from chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason states that the rate of serious illness has not risen in line with the wide spread of the virus in society. Þórólfur believes that 80 percent of the population will have had the virus by around mid-March, and that this will be the likely threshold for good herd immunity.
The massive spike in new infections has nevertheless cause significant problems for the health service; with more people being admitted to hospital, and a very large number of health workers off with the virus—thereby threatening basic services.”


Tweet

Depending on how the next couple of weeks turn out, it could be that the decision to lift all restrictions still stands or that the government takes different action. We shall see.

If you found this episode helpful and/or informative, please share it with someone that you think would find it interesting.

Share this Post

Share on facebook

Facebook
Share on email
Email
Share on twitter
Twitter

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

All Things IcelandBy Jewells Chambers

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

258 ratings


More shows like All Things Iceland

View all
Travel with Rick Steves by Rick Steves

Travel with Rick Steves

173 Listeners

Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast by Chris Christensen

Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

1,063 Listeners

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,713 Listeners

Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

38,189 Listeners

The Rachel Maddow Show by Rachel Maddow, MSNBC

The Rachel Maddow Show

36,944 Listeners

Zero To Travel Podcast by Jason Moore

Zero To Travel Podcast

824 Listeners

The RV Atlas Podcast by RVFTA Podcast Network

The RV Atlas Podcast

577 Listeners

Travel Squad Podcast by Travel Squad Podcast

Travel Squad Podcast

216 Listeners

Let Me Show You Iceland by Paweł Maczuch

Let Me Show You Iceland

2 Listeners

The Iceland Travel Podcast by Iceland Travel

The Iceland Travel Podcast

14 Listeners

Where to Go by DK Travel

Where to Go

25 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,613 Listeners

The Cerca Guide to Iceland by Cerca

The Cerca Guide to Iceland

11 Listeners

Exploring the National Parks by Dirt In My Shoes

Exploring the National Parks

507 Listeners

Iceland's Best by Frank Lárus

Iceland's Best

9 Listeners