Press release -Coronavirus - COVID-19. 27.02.2020.

During a coordination meeting this morning the outlook of the COVID-19 situation was discussed. Every day, the number of countries that report cases increases, including some neighboring countries of Iceland. Thus, there is a growing likelihood that the virus will spread to Iceland, but every effort is made to prevent it from spreading.

Landspitali – University Hospital has now analyzed 46 samples, including from few asymptomatic individuals. They all turned out to be negative. Although the virus can be found in asymptomatic individuals, it is considered unlikely that they will infect others, although it may happen.

The Consumer Agency has now published information regarding cancellations of travels

Areas with high risk of infection

The Chief Epidemiologist published information on defined areas with high and low risk of infection and that has not changed today.  Areas with high risk of infections are; China, four provinces in Northern Italy (Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont), South-Korea, and Iran. The Chief Epidemiologist advices against unnecessary trips to these areas and recommends those that have recently been there to stay in quarantine for 14 days. If a person only flies to or from areas with high risk of infection or drives through such area, no quarantine is required

Areas with low risk of infection

Areas with low risk of infection are those areas where the number of confirmed cases has increased recently, but low likelihood of infection. These areas include other areas in Italy, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tenerife (other than the H10 Costa Adejo Palace hotel). Travelers already in these areas and those who have recently arrived from these areas are asked to pay special attention to hygiene and infection control. Quarantine is not needed. Individuals coming from areas with low risk of infection are asked to contact 1700 (+354 544-4113 for foreign numbers) if the fall ill within 14 days of arrival.

The Consular Affairs Unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has now opened a specific database for Icelanders abroad that wish to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to be informed on travel recommendations regarding the COVID-19 during their stay abroad. This morning over 1000 individuals had registered.

Operations at international ports

At Keflavik Airport, in Akureyri and in Seyðisfjörður, information is sent to passengers to report if they fall ill at 1700 (+354 544-4113 for foreign numbers) or call the primary health care if they have been in a defined risk area. Response plans have been updated at airports.

Personal hygiene very important
. Travelers already in these areas and those who have recently arrived from these areas are asked to pay special attention to hygiene and infection control. Including frequent hand washing, using a paper towel/cloth when sneezing/coughing or sneeze/cough in the elbow pit, and use hand sanitizer. The risk of infection can be easily decreased by taking good care of personal hygiene. Hand washing, avoiding touching of eyes, nose, and mouth and avoiding of hand shaking are key factors in reducing risk of infection.

Individuals that start to get respiratory symptoms, especially fever, should contact Laeknavaktin-on call doctors at 1700 (+354 544-4113 for foreign numbers) or their primary health care but should not attend any emergency units or clinics without receiving advice from a health care professional.