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An Icelandic man in his forties is in isolation at Landspítali hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus, Vísir reports. This was brought to light by an announcement from the Directorate of Health. This marks the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in Iceland.

The man is not seriously ill, but did test positive for COVID-19, the virus which triggers such symptoms as aches, fever, and coughing. He had reportedly recently returned from northern Italy, but from outside the area considered especially dangerous for catching the virus.

Health professionals have responded quickly and in a professional manner to the news, having now launched an investigation into his movements between northern Italy and his arrival in hospital, in order to determine possible transmission paths. At the same time, the national police and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management will increase preparedness against the virus, but there are as yet no plans to issue any travel bans to or from Iceland.

As reported, the Directorate of Health has already issued an FAQ on how to best prevent catching COVID-19.

To avoid contraction, the Directorate advises practicing basic good hygiene, i.e. “hand washing/sanitizer before eating, after touching common surfaces, after cough/sneeze/touching the face or cover the nose and the mouth when coughing/sneezing”. You should also avoid contact with the sick and visiting places where live or dead animals are handled.

The Directorate has also issued an advisory on what parts of the world constitute high risk areas. Those who have traveled to affected areas in the past 14 days, or have been in contact with anyone who has, are advised to contact svl@landlaeknir.is or call +354 544 4113.