Civil protection distress phase due to COVID-19
The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police has declared a civil protection distress phase in consultation with the Chief Epidemiologist regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The first case of domestic transmission in Iceland has been confirmed. The Department of Civil Protection has therefore raised the emergency level to distress phase. This is based on the fact that the disease has now started to spread within Iceland.
The activation of a distress phase has no significant impact on the public beyond the alert phase that has been in effect since 28 February. There is no ban on people gathering.
Staff and students at the University of Iceland are asked to remain calm, but also to remember the importance of following instructions from the Chief Epidemiologist.
The latest information is always available from the Directorate of Health website.
The Chief Epidemiologist advises vulnerable groups in particular, especially those with underlying health conditions and older people, to avoid unnecessary gatherings and take care to follow good hygiene practices.
Anyone experiencing symptoms who could possibly have been exposed to the virus, e.g. due to travel, is urged to call 1700 and request guidance. People are asked to remain at home if they are ill and not attend University.
Look out for one another, encourage people to go home if they appear to be ill, and take particular care to look out for people who do not have a strong support network in Iceland.
