Raja extends the ban on major cultural and sporting events

The ban on events with over 500 participants is extended until 1 September. It is currently unclear what will happen with smaller events.

“Now there is a ban on major sporting events, festivals and concerts until 15 June. That ban is now being extended until 1 September,” Minister of Culture Abid Raja (Venstre) said at a press conference on Saturday afternoon.

At the press conference, he said that the government and the health authorities will make a two-part decision. The decision to ban events with more than 500 participants until 1 September is the first decision.

This means that major events such as the Øya Festival, Norway Cup and the Stavern Festival must be canceled.

“It is not an easy decision to make, but it is a necessary decision. We cannot have big events that can contribute to more infection that will endanger life and health,” Raja said.

He also stated that a decision on events with less than 500 participants will come on Thursday next week.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today