The Directorate of Health
New Communicable Disease Act enters into force
1st September 2026
Today, 1 September 2026, a new Communicable Disease Act, No. 40/2026, enters into force, replacing legislation dating from 1997.
The Act was adopted by Parliament on 21 April following an extensive review of Iceland’s communicable disease legislation. The overall objective remains unchanged: to protect the life and health of individuals and society from communicable diseases in as effective and equitable a manner as possible.
The new Act builds, among other things, on experience gained in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It does not fundamentally change the day-to-day practice of communicable disease control, but provides a clearer and more comprehensive framework for responsibilities, coordination and decision-making when serious epidemics or other health threats arise.
One of the main changes is a clearer status and role for the Chief Epidemiologist. Under the previous legislation, the Directorate of Health was responsible for the implementation of communicable disease control. Under the new Act, the Minister appoints the Chief Epidemiologist for a five-year term. The Chief Epidemiologist continues to operate within the Directorate of Health but is directly responsible for the implementation of communicable disease control under the authority of the Minister.
The Act also draws a clearer distinction between serious diseases and diseases posing a serious threat to society, and sets out clearer rules on the communicable disease control measures that may be applied. A new Epidemic Committee is also established, comprising representatives of the healthcare system and civil protection authorities, and will play a key role when a communicable disease has the potential to have widespread effects on society.
The Act further clarifies the responsibilities of individuals, businesses and institutions to help reduce the risk of transmission. Strong emphasis is placed on ensuring that public-health measures are necessary, proportionate and equitable, taking into account individual rights as well as social and economic impacts. Clearer requirements are also introduced regarding communication with the public and the justification of government decisions when extensive measures are implemented.
In summary, the new Communicable Disease Act does not represent a fundamental change in Iceland’s approach to communicable disease control, but provides a clearer and more modern framework. It clarifies the responsibilities and cooperation of public authorities and institutions and emphasises that responses should be well prepared, coordinated, transparent and proportionate.
Chief Epidemiologist