Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 infections, the Directorate of Health is under a great deal of strain. In addition to staff of the Communicable Disease Control division, the Chief Epidemiologist and the Director of Health, a number of other staff members have been involved in pandemic preparedness work. The staff has done their utmost to also attend to other pressing work. However, at this point in time it has become clear that the Directorate´s reception will have to be closed temporarily. Contact can still be made via telephone at 10:00-12:00 h and 13:00-16:00 h. In addition, every effort will be made to reply to e-mails.The disruption caused by the COVID 19 disease will cause a delay in the processing of many incoming requests and applications, however, individual stakeholders will be informed. The Directorate of Health would be most grateful for people´s patience in these unusual times.

In addition to pandemic preparedness work the following aspects of the Directorate´s operation will be prioritized: monitoring and advising in relation to the provision of health care services, the operation of health information systems and databases, the issuing of licenses to health care practitioners, switchboard operation, as well as ensuring continuous operation of the Directorate. Emergency matters will of course be attended to.

The Directorate of Health kindly asks individuals seeking information on the COVID 19 disease to access its web site, rather than calling. Individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, e.g. have recently travelled to areas with a high risk of infection, have been with individuals who have tested positive for the virus or themselves experience any symptoms are advised to call 1700 (+354 544 4113 for non-Icelandic telephone numbers) in order to receive further information.