On Mar. 13, 2020, Iceland health authorities and deCode Genetics announced they began comprehensive screening for the virus that causes COVID-19 among the Icelandic population. The testing results of the first 5,571 diagnosed tests yielded 48 positive samples.

A ban on gatherings of 100 people or more took effect on March 15 and were planned to remain for four weeks. Secondary and tertiary education institutions had closed, but primary schools and kindergartens remained open with specific measures implemented to limit infection risks.