COVID-19 Border Testing and Special Precautions Guidelines regarding workers in

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic travelers to Iceland need to pre-register prior to arrival. Those coming from high-risk areas for COVID-19 need to choose between:  14-day quarantine or  a screening test at the border on arrival. Certain individuals who choose screening need to take a 2nd test performed by the primary health care service 5 days later. There is a cost for the 1st test but no additional cost for the 2nd test.

Who should take the 2nd test?

Residents of Iceland, Icelandic citizens and their families need to undergo the 2nd test Also, all travellers to Iceland that intend to stay 10 days or longer need to undergo the 2nd test including those moving permanently to Iceland. It is escpecially important that participants in Icelandic society e.g. due to their social network, studies or work, take the 2 tests to minimize risk of a group infection, e.g. at their workplace.

Registration for the 2nd test:

a) Individuals who choose testing at the border and need to adhere to special precautions will be automatically notified to present for a 2nd test if they have: a. An Icelandic ID number, Icelandic citizenship or residency or their duration of stay is 10 days or longer according to the pre-registration (no need to count travel days). i. These individuals will receive an email regarding the 2nd test if the 1st test is negative. b) Individuals who choose testing at the border and it is recommended they adhere to special precautions and undergo 2nd testing (even if they are not automatically notified): a. Those that come to Iceland to work or to study. Those moving here should register Iceland as residency. b. Those that have an extensive social network or are participants in Icelandic society in some way (e.g. family members of Icelandic residents). c. Passengers from Norrona who have a negative test result from Denmark but have been in a high-risk area in the last 14 days or they consider the above applies to them.  The 2nd test is free of charge under those circumstances.

10 August 2020 For those coming to Iceland for work it is recommended to arrive earlier or delay start of work for 5 days so the special precautions can be taken until the 2nd test is performed. In between the 1st and the 2nd test special precautions need to be taken. If the 2nd test is negative (no virus detected) then the special precautions are lifted. A booklet about the special precautions is handed out at the border. If a test is positive then further tests will be performed and the individual is placed in isolation.

Special precautions are a less strict form of quarantine but entail that the individuals should limit their activities and not interact with many others. These rules should be followed:

 Do not attend work or any gatherings where more than 10 people gather. This applies to gyms and swimming pools as well.  Avoid contact with those at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.  Adhere to the 2-meter physical distancing when near others not in the same household.  Do not use handshake or hugs as a greeting and avoid hugs.  Adhere to strict personal hygiene and follow guidelines on infection control (clean hands regularly, avoid uneccesary touching of face, clean and disinfect the home). If personal hygiene measures are adhered to then:  May use public transport to destination.  May go out for a walk or a car ride.  May go to the store to fetch necesseties.  May meet with friends and family with restrictions as above.

In the Reykjavik area testing is performed at Suðurlandsbraut 34, 108 Reykjavík, ground floor, between 8:30 and 15:30 Monday to Friday and between 12:00 and 15:00 weekends and holidays. Please present at the designated day and time if you are registered. An ID and a barcode need to be presented.

Registration is linked to the 1st test and those that are automatically notified will receive a barcode by email but others will be registered on-site.

Outside the Reykjavik area an appointment needs to be made at a primary health care service that performs border testing and can register travellers for the 2nd test. They are open 8:00 to 16:00 Mondays to Fridays but not on weekends:

is open at Strandgata 31, Akureyri, between 13:00 and 15:00 Monday to Friday. No need to call ahead if you have your barcode for the 2nd test.

 Sudurnes (+354 422 0500), Skolavegur 6, Keflavik  (+354 432 2000), Arvegur, Selfoss  (+354 432 2500), Solhlið 10, 900 Vestmannaeyjar  Hofn i Hornfirdi (+354 432 2900), Vikurbraut 31, 780 Hofn í Hornafirdi  Egilsstadir (+354 470 3000), Lagaras 17-19, Egilsstadir  Akureyri (+354 432 4600), Hafnarstraeti 99, Akureyri – select 9 for English but see above regarding opening hours.  Isafjordur (+354 450 4500), Fjarðarstraeti 8, Isafjordur  Borgarnes (+354 432 1430), Borgarbraut 65, 310 Borgarnes  Stykkisholmur (+354 432 1200), Merkigerdi 9, 300

10 August 2020

Employers can contact the local primary health care center to organize the 2nd test for larger working groups.

Testing supervision on behalf of the primary health care service:  Jórlaug Heimisdóttir, [email protected]  Ragnheiður Ósk Erlendsdóttir, [email protected]  Agnar Darri Sverrisson, [email protected]

If the 2nd test is negative (no virus is detected) then the special precautions are lifted. If no message is received within 24 hours it means the test is negative. Positive test results (virus is detected) are notified by a phone call. All travellers are required to provide reliable contact information on the pre- registration form.

It is important to present for the 2nd test on the required day. The contact tracing team will follow up regarding those that do not show up after a reminder is sent.

10 August 2020