The new measures were introduced in 15 new municipalities on Sunday evening. Municipalities receive action level 4.
To contain the English virus outbreak in Nordre Follo, very strict measures were introduced on Saturday in ten municipalities in eastern Norway, including Oslo. The municipalities were designated at the highest level of action, the 5th level of risk.
The situation is very confusing, therefore several municipalities bordering on Oslo have asked the government to impose stringent measures in their municipalities as well.
The municipalities concerned are Aurskog-Høland, Marker, Rakkestad, Skiptvedt, Lunner, Nittedal, Lillestrøm, Lørenskog, Rælingen, Bærum, Asker, Drammen, Lier, Råde and Horten.
- The English version of the coronavirus is dangerous, especially as it is highly contagious. This variant has caused a large spike in infections in many countries and we need to cut it down, Health Minister Bent Høie (H) said at a news conference on Sunday.
. Level 4
On Sunday evening, Health and Welfare Minister Høie announced that 15 municipalities would receive action level 4.
- The risk of spreading to other municipalities is high, but we can deal with it together, says Høie.
The new measures will apply from midnight and will remain in force until January 31.
This will be in line with level 4 in the red alert in upper secondary education and in yellow in primary education.
In addition, shopping centers in 15 municipalities must be closed, but shops that are not part of the center may remain open.
Bent Høie also says some exceptions will be made in the 10 municipalities where strict measures were imposed on Saturday.
These stores can remain open:
- Grocery stores
- pharmacy
- Liquor Stores (Vinmonopolet)
- Gas stations
- Points of sale for pet food and other pet necessities.
- Commercial activity for agriculture and animal production.
- Wholesaler and part of the wholesaler in shops dealing with handicrafts and the like.
- Opticians.
- The definition of grocery stores also includes kiosks, health food, and others that mainly sell food.
It can increase drastically
In the municipality of Nordre Follo, 17 cases of the mutant virus have now been confirmed. At the same time, there are individual cases in several other counties and Norway has registered a total of 70 such cases to date.
At the same time, several hundred tests are to be analyzed on Monday, and there is concern that the number of these cases will increase sharply.
Nordre Follo mayor Hanne Opdan asked FHI earlier on Sunday to prioritize Nordre Follo in the immunization queue.
During a press conference on Sunday evening, FHI's director Camilla Stoltenberg says it won't matter.
"The FHI does not currently change the immunization recommendations," says Stoltenberg.
Here are the measures for risk level 4:
Places to serve:
Serving is suspended meals
Privacy:
the number of contacts per week should not exceed 10 people in social contexts, apart from the necessary contacts in the context of work, household members and preschoolers and school groups, possibly only outside. Reinforced distancing advice.
Risk groups:
People over 80 and those with the highest medical risk should be advised to stay in solitary confinement. Those who live with people at risk should also take special measures regarding contacts with other people; otherwise, keep a greater distance from them.
Protective masks:
Use indoor masks in public places if it is crowded or you cannot keep a distance of at least 1 meter. Use face masks in companies (hairdressers, etc.) if you cannot keep a distance of at least 1 meter.
Professional life :
Document that employees have been advised that they will have a home office if possible. Consider closing the canteen and other places where workers congregate.
Private meetings (in a public place or in a rented / rented premises):
Inside: up to 10 people.
Outside: up to 20 people
Wevents:
In the premises: up to 10 people.
Outside: up to 50 people. Entertainment offer: Closing.
Gyms and swimming pools:
Close. (Consider maintaining swimming training for children and adolescents and rehabilitation / treatment options for adults and children).
Universities and colleges:
digital learning in general, except for studies that require physical presence. Consider closing canteens and other places where students gather. The readers can be opened thanks to infection control measures. Consider using a face mask when you cannot keep a distance of 1 meter or more.
Sports:
Adults: Pause indoor adult sports.
Children and Youth: Paused games, tournaments and reunions. During periods of red activity level in schools, restrictions on recreational activities and possible outdoor and indoor activities should also be considered.
Recreational activities:
Adults:
Suspended classes that accumulate more indoors.
Children and youth:
During periods of red activity in schools, limiting recreational activities should also be considered. Possible differences between outdoor and indoor activities.
Public transport:
Use up to 50% of the capacity in means of transport. One free seat between passengers on planes.
Kindergartens, primary, secondary and out-of-school schools:
Yellow level for kindergarten and primary school. Red level for high school. The duration should be set at 14 days, with ongoing assessment of the workload and proportionality.
Travels:
Avoid unnecessary domestic travel. While travel to other places in Norway, where the infection is minor, special care should be taken for the first 10 days after arrival.
Testing:
Screen for groups with high infection rates. Regular employee examinations in nursing homes.
Shops:
Shops in shopping malls have to close, but shops outside of them can remain open.
