Norway is loosening the restrictions from today. There is no longer any requirement for border testing

- The variant of the virus we have now causes a less severe disease than the previous variants. And although many are infected, fewer end up in the hospital. We are well protected by vaccines. This means that we can now facilitate many measures, even if the infection grows sharply, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

At the same time, some measures will be upheld by the government a little longer, including the recommendation to keep a distance of one meter and the use of masks when it is difficult to keep distance.

Norway is loosening the restrictions from today

- The time ahead will be demanding. A great many of us will get infected. The FHI estimates that perhaps as many as three to four million people could be infected with an omicron before summer, and we have to plan that up to 20 percent could be on sick leave. That's why we take measures to prevent too many people getting sick and being absent from work at the same time, says Støre.

The decision is based on the professional advice of the Norwegian Health Directorate and the National Institute of Public Health, which recommend that many measures can now be removed. After an overall assessment, the government decided to make more concessions than recommended by the health authorities.

There is no longer any requirement for border testing

– We must expect increased infections as a result of the relief. Our assessment, however, is that more intrusive measures that impact people and the business environment are not proportionate, given that in the current situation we have little burden on health care and good sickness absence control, says Støre.

Some of the changes are:

• There is no longer any recommendation for a limit on the number of guests in the house, nor is there a limit to the number of indoor or outdoor events.
• At events with fixed seats, such as a cinema, theater or church, the distance requirements are removed. This means that all seats in the hall can be used. The organizer provides the possibility of maintaining distance in a different way on the premises of the facility or event.
• The alcohol ban and table operation requirements have been removed, but there are still infection control requirements - audible feedback.
• It is no longer a national recommendation for yellow level in kindergartens and schools.
• Colleges, universities and vocational colleges should strive to achieve full physical presence while teaching. The recommendation for a distance of 1 meter may be deviated from in the teaching.
• Organized sports and leisure activities can now take place as normal, both indoor and outdoor, for all ages, with the possibility of contact if needed.
• Amusement parks, playgrounds, game rooms and the like can be reopened, but must be equipped with an infection control system - audible information.
• There will no longer be a need to facilitate a home office. Employers are advised to make their own assessment part of the household offices is appropriate for a given workplace. In this case, companies also need to consider how they can avoid everyone getting sick at the same time.
• The requirement for border testing for traveling to Norway has been abolished.

Very high vaccination coverage in Norway

The government intends to lift the last restrictions by February 17, if the situation is as we currently predict. If necessary, municipalities may consider introducing local measures.

The government will not add any further distinctions between vaccinated and unvaccinated in domestic measures that will now apply in the country. If there is a need for more stringent measures later, it may be important to use a crown certificate at events and restaurants.

- We have a very high vaccination coverage in Norway. Now that we are lifting a lot of measures. We believe that it is currently not appropriate to introduce the use of covid certificates in the country, says Kjerkol.

Unvaccinated people and those at high risk of infection should exercise caution or avoid large gatherings where it is difficult to keep your distance.

Exceptions have been made to the current pre-departure test requirements for Svalbard permanent residents and those who have been fully vaccinated or have undergone COVID-19. All persons arriving in Svalbard must be screened within 24 hours of their arrival.

Now it's time to adjust and live a more normal life

“Many will get infected in the coming weeks and we need to prepare for it. But now we are able to cope with the increase in infection. Now it's time to adjust and live a more normal life. We have been told for almost two years that we should be afraid of the coronavirus, we will live with the virus in the future. We are aiming for the complete lifting of these measures by February 17, provided that developments do not differ significantly from what we currently anticipate, says Health and Welfare Minister Ingvild Kjerkol.

Hospital admissions will also increase as so many people become infected. However, the risk of being admitted to hospital is now much lower than it was during the pandemic. Patients spend less time in hospital and need less intensive care.

Kjerkol points out that the government has implemented a number of measures to ensure that we do not place an undue burden on municipal health and care services. Changes to testing recommendations and a separate package of measures for the health service. Norwegian Directorate of Health reports that the rapidly rising national infection trend can so far be handled by municipal health and care services. Several municipalities (250) currently have resource reviews and contingency plans in place to increase service capacity in the event of a severe wave of infections. The risk of congestion in hospitals is now low.

- When the virus is so contagious and the infection is so high, we will also become infected in nursing homes and nursing homes. Serious complications cannot be avoided, but it's time to treat the virus more like the seasonal flu. The pandemic will continue to cause both hospitalizations and deaths, says Kjerkol.

However, if the burden on health and care services becomes too heavy, more stringent measures may be required.

Greater TISK relief (testing, isolation, infection tracking, and quarantine)

The recommendation for regular testing in kindergartens, schools and the education sector is now over. In case of local needs, municipalities with sufficient capacity can make tests available in schools, universities etc. This is to facilitate access to tests for people who develop symptoms.

Infection quarantine is terminated for everyone, however it is recommended that family members and loved ones get tested. Other asymptomatic close contacts do not need to be tested, but should pay close attention to symptoms.

Children of school age or younger are only advised to be tested for symptoms, even if there is an infection in the household.

Infection tracking has already been largely added to the unit, but the municipality can provide assistance if needed. We encourage you to notify known loved ones if you are infected so that they can be more aware of their own symptoms.

Thanks to the following facilities, TISK will abolish further requirements regarding the registration of restaurant guests / event participants. The FHI points out that the application of infection control may cover the need to notify other event attendees.

The isolation time is reduced from 6 to 4 days. The change in isolation period also applies to people who are already infected and are currently in isolation. Infected persons who show symptoms must be free from fever for at least 24 hours before isolation may terminate. The government is assessing the isolation requirement on an ongoing basis.

Research costs related to going abroad are covered by the traveler. Municipalities may, if possible, offer travel-related research for which the traveler has to pay for himself.

Source: regjeringen