The Chief Epidemiologist directs the recommendation to those who have been vaccinated or have a history of previous COVID-19 infection and who live in Iceland, or have a social network here, to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival in Iceland despite a negative PCR- or antigen test, taken before departure. A test can be ordered at heilsuvera.is (with electronic ID) and obtained at the border in Keflavík airport or as soon as possible after arrival in Iceland, in Reykjavík at Suðurlandsbraut 34 or a primary health center outside the capital area. While the results are awaited, special precautions should be adhered to. Special precaution means that travellers are asked to take special care in the first few days after returning home, not visit vulnerable individuals, such as those with underlying illnesses, the elderly or patients in hospitals, and go for testing immediately if they experience symptoms that may indicate COVID-19.

The spread of the coronary virus has increased in Icelandic society in recent days. On 1 July, border testing was stopped for vaccinated individuals and individuals with previous COVID-19 infection. Several infections have spread across the border, especially with fully vaccinated individuals, causing a new wave domestically. Infected individuals who come here and have an extensive social network in the country are more likely to infect others than those who have a small network around them. Vigorous testing at the border is an important tool to prevent the spread of the virus across the borders, which is a prerequisite for keeping domestic restrictions to a minimum.

The Chief Epidemiologist