The Minister of Health has approved proposals from the Chief Epidemiologist regarding tighter measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which take effect on Saturday, 31 October 2020. The same rules will apply throughout Iceland. The main change introduced now is that the maximum size of gatherings is reduced from 20 to 10 persons. All sporting activities and stage performances are suspended. It is envisaged that these stricter rules will remain in force until 17 November (including that date); they will be reviewed in the light of developments with a view to whether it will be possible to relax them earlier or necessary to extend the period for a longer period.

The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has published the first comprehensive policy on film industry and film culture. The Ministry and leading members of the film industry joined forces in developing the policy, working in close collaboration.

Departures of foreign passengers from Iceland via Keflavik airport were about 10 thousand in September, according to figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board, or less than 94.5 percent compared to the numbers in September 2019, when departures were 184 thousand.

The current procedure of double screening for covid-19 at the border for all passengers arriving in Iceland is planned to remain in place until 1 December, unless circumstances warrant earlier easing. These precautions are considered appropriate in light of an increased number of domestic cases diagnosed in Iceland in the past two weeks.