Iceland’s Rule of Common Sense … and Law?

• Main Author: Hafsteinn Dan Kristjánsson
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: German; English
• Published: Max Steinbeis Verfassungsblog GmbH
• Subjects: Coronavirus; COVID 19; emergency powers; Iceland; Law; K
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/04f0b9cfbce44c058d5d73ce515e949d

While Iceland is not under a lockdown, the borders have been closed and wide-ranging measures implemented concerning a ban on gathering, social distancing, closing down or restricting the operation of schools, hair salons, organized sports and so on. When this is written, the current version of the ban on gathering is destined to last until 4th of May but some measures will be in place throughout the summer and maybe even longer. Now, gatherings of more than 20 people are forbidden, including in workplaces, cafés, restaurants and shops but special rules apply to grocery shops and pharmacies. The so-called two metre rule applies in these places. Other places have been shut down completely, such as gyms, swimming pools and pubs. The economic situation is also dire. Businesses are struggling and unemployment is on the rise. The last big depression is still fresh in memory. In what follows, I will focus on measures concerning the health crisis.