The Government supported the imposition of stricter measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus

The government has previously decided that, starting from 2 August, up to 500 people can take part in indoor events and activities that lack infection control. For outdoor events, this number is 1,500. According to today's agreement, from 9 August, up to 50 participants are allowed at indoor events and activities, and up to 100 participants are allowed outdoors.

The new limits apply to public meetings and events, including conferences, theatre performances, concerts, cinema screenings, entertainment services, religious services, museums, and exhibitions. They also cover sports, trainings, youth work, hobby activities and education, refresher training and courses, and the organisation of sports competitions and sports and fitness events. The government will re-discuss the requirements for schools before the start of the new school year.

The new limits also apply to public saunas, spas, water parks, and swimming pools. The limits set for both indoor and outdoor conditions must also be complied with in catering establishments in the future. However, the limits do not apply to commercial establishments and the provision of other services, where dispersal and disinfection requirements will remain in force.

The number of participants in events and activities may exceed the established limit only if infection safety and monitoring thereof is ensured. This means that only people who have been vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19, or presented a negative test result can take part in events and activities. In such cases, there may be up to 6,000 attendees indoors and up to 12,000 outdoors. The COVID-19 certificates of all attendants must be checked, their authenticity and validity must be verified, and in case of doubt, the identity of the person providing the certificate must be established.

Given the extent to which young people are vaccinated, people under the age of 18 do not have to prove their infection safety, i.e. vaccination, COVID-19 recovery, or a negative test result. In the future, it is planned to extend the requirement for proving infection safety to all persons aged at least 12, but the government wishes to continue discussions regarding the details thereof.

In addition, the government supported the restoration of the obligation of covering the nose and mouth on public transport today. Wearing a mask will become mandatory on public transport from next Monday. Children under the age of 12 will not have to wear a mask.

These changes are based on an assessment by the Health Board and their aim is to curb the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and the associated burden on hospitals.

This is a decision in principle adopted at a cabinet meeting of the government. The government will need to approve the order at their meeting.