The situation we are in is likely to be the new normal as countries learn to live with coronaviruses. All coronaviruses related restrictions, including for travel, have been lifted by Iceland. Iceland is taking it a step further than other countries.
The Minister of Health has announced that the country will be lifting all restrictions on February 25, 2022. This includes both restrictions within the country and at the border, meaning that it will be just like pre-coronaviruses in terms of rules and restrictions.
The rules regarding limitations on social gatherings and school operations are being removed. No disease prevention measures will be put in place at the border, regardless of vaccination status.
The Minister of Health describes this.
“We can truly rejoice at this turning-point, but nonetheless I encourage people to be careful, practice personal infection prevention measures and not to interact with others if they notice symptoms.”
According to the Chief Epidemiologist, there have been between 2,100 and 2,800 infections diagnosed daily, but serious illness has not increased proportionally.
There are around 368,000 people in the country. More than 100,000 people have been confirmed to have been exposed to coronaviruses, and more than 100,000 people have not been diagnosed.
This isn't clickbait. The way to get widespread resistance to COVID-19 is through having as many people as possible be exposed to the virus, since vaccines aren't enough.
“Widespread societal resistance to COVID-19 is the main route out of the epidemic. To achieve this, as many people as possible need to be infected with the virus as the vaccines are not enough, even though they provide good protection against serious illness.”
I don't think they're suggesting having someone cough all over you. The country's position is that you should live your life and get sick if you want to get out of this mess. Given the risk of serious illness, the most vulnerable should avoid getting infections.
I think it's important to note that the government of Iceland has been highly respected during the Pandemic. The country has taken a science-based approach to reopening borders.
I'm not in a position to judge the government's idea that as many people as possible need to be exposed to the virus.
I am happy to see more countries lifting restrictions. Is coronaviruses serious? Absolutely. The virus is here to stay, and we have learned in the past two years that it isn't going away.
As of Friday, all travel restrictions have been lifted, but the country says that as many people as possible need to be exposed to the virus.
What do you think about the approach to lifting restrictions?
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