On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Erna Solberg will announce that society is gradually re-opening.
After a long and difficult year, many saw hope for a possible holiday abroad this summer. But Minister of Justice and Crisis Management Monica Mæland believes that we should not be making such plans now.
- I would rather not recommend planning a vacation abroad in June. But it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that gives travel advice and we want to look at the infection situation both in Europe and in the world. But I wouldn't have planned it, says Mæland
Still strict entry rules
When it comes to entering Norway, Mæland believes that we will continue to have very strict restrictions in the future as well.
- We will still have very, very strict entry restrictions - says the Minister of Justice, adding that Norway has some of the strictest entry rules in Europe.
Mæland says the only exceptions are for socially critical staff, children who are supposed to spend time with their parents, some commuters, and medical staff.
– Moreover, we have not opened up to entry and it will be some time before we do so, simply because the burden of action for people living in Norway is very big.
- We must have great patience
Mæland points out that this time was very difficult. Especially for children and young people, and for all people in the tourism and restaurant industry - who experience that work is at risk.
- That is why we need to prioritize these now. This means that a very large proportion of both family members and partners have to show great patience to come to Norway, says Mæland.
- What about the tourism industry, they desperately need foreigners to come to Norway?
- Yes. But at the same time, we encourage you Norwegians to holiday in Norway and we saw them do it last year. For now, unfortunately, there is still a long way to go before we can welcome tourists back to Norway.
- What about those who leave the country, perhaps on vacation, and return home?
- We do not recommend unnecessary recreational trips. I believe that anyone who wants to return to Norway for a very long time has to follow these strict rules quarantine policies and quarantine hotels and test regimes, he says.
Mæland says the government has made it clear that unnecessary leisure trips are not recommended. As long as this advice applies, strict testing and quarantine requirements must also apply.
– Preventing a new wave of infections
- This is simply to prevent imported infections and new waves of infection, says Mæland.
- You weren't clear enough about importing the infection before?
– We receive many inquiries from everyone who wants contact with family and friends who strongly disagree with the quarantine provisions. As we announce our reopening now, it is also important to announce that we are prioritizing measures at home. Because the burden of resources for so many of our children and young people, elderly and lonely people, tourism and retail workers was very large. That's why we need to prioritize them now.
- How long do we have to undergo severe restrictions?
- Can not be stated unequivocally. But I think you still have to rely on very strict restrictions, testing and quarantine even if we open up and get more normal home conditions.
Prioritizes seasonal workers
Mæland says they will prioritize working life over other types of entry in the future.
- We have a light in the tunnel for critical personnel, we are considering its expansion. This applies to jobs that are at risk if they do not provide Norway with the absolutely necessary personnel.
The main focus is now on a seasonal and workforce-dependent industry.
- It is about the shipbuilding industry, our agricultural industries and a number of industries that are used to sourcing external labor. They are in a difficult position right now, which is why we have now made a small exception for absolutely essential work, says Mæland.
