Iceland : summer houses and listening to scientists

• Main Authors: Hawkins, Mary (R7793), Onnudottir, Helena (R14906)
• Other Authors: Georgeou, Nichole (Editor), Hawksley, Charles (Editor)
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Penrith, N.S.W., Western Sydney University 2020
• Subjects: XXXXXX - Unknown; COVID-19 (disease); infection control; government policy; Iceland; Húsavík
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.7/uws:58768

‘Not overly perturbed’ is a fair characterisation of the Icelandic approach to COVID-19. This is not to imply carelessness—Iceland acted decisively, and very swiftly. At the end of January, weeks before Icelanders, on ski holidays in northern Italy and Austria, brought the virus home with them (the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was of an Australian tourist who died at the hospital in Húsavík, in the north of the country, on 28 February), a virus testing regime had commenced. On 14 March, returning Icelanders were all subject to 14 days quarantine, a limit was set on the number of people who may gather together, swimming pools, gyms and other such venues were closed, restaurants remained open but tables were spaced two metres apart, schools were shut and international borders closed. Further, two economic stimulus packages, totalling ISK 290 billion (US$2.1 billion), were introduced in April, to support companies forced to close and job seekers, to provide low interest loans, and to support mental health initiatives.2 The first stage ISK 60 billion (US$ 411 million) was released in April, the second stage ISK 230 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) to be released in June 2020. By late May, after just eight positive tests in the preceding 30 days, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir cautiously announced that the virus was under control, and Iceland is planning to reopen its borders to international tourists from 15 June. Visitors will be tested at the border, or will be permitted to enter if they bring proof of recent negative testing.