Increase in serious illness due to COVID-19

As stated, 10 June, the spread of COVID-19 is increasing in Iceland. Currently, over 200 people are officially diagnosed per day, but the number is likely to be higher because many are diagnosed with a home test and cannot be confirmed with an official test. Most people diagnosed have not had COVID-19 before re-infection accounts for less than 10% of daily diagnosed infections.

With this increased coverage, there has been a significant increase in admissions of COVID-19 patients. There are 27 individuals currently in hospital with or due to COVID-19. Two of them are in intensive care units and one requires mechanical ventilation. Most of the inpatients are older than 70 years, but serious illness is mainly seen in those who have received three or fewer vaccinations. This is in accordance with the conclusions of foreign studies that a fourth vaccination dose significantly reduces the risk of serious illness due to COVID-19.

The public, and especially those 80 years of age or older, and those with underlying illnesses, are encouraged to take care to avoid crowds, to keep their hands away, wash and alcohol and to use face masks when infection prevention measures are not possible.

All those who are unvaccinated are also encouraged to accept vaccination. Individuals 80 years and older and members of the household in nursing homes are encouraged to accept a fourth dose of vaccination. Younger individuals who believe they may be vulnerable to COVID-19 are also encouraged to receive a fourth dose of the vaccination. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of serious illness due to COVID-19.

The Chief Epidemiologist