Two out of three will celebrate May 17 at home

May 17th cake with the Norwegian flag, blueberries and raspberries.May 17th cake with the Norwegian flag, blueberries and raspberries.Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB .scanpix

Most people will spend May 17 at home because of the coronavirus pandemic. Eight out of ten believe restrictions on the celebrations will have an effect on preventing the coronavirus infection.

In a survey conducted by analysis agency Opinion, 66 per cent said they would be mainly staying at home on May 17. 11 percent said they would not and  24 percent were uncertain.

“Single people and those with larger families were up for the celebration at home. The word celebration may not be the most accurate one to use, but we stay home at least,” says senior adviser Ola Gaute Aas Askheim.

Children’s parades across the country have already been cancelled and band musicians must stay 2 meters away to perform.

Effect against infection spread“There is now one month left until National Day. Although the majority will expect to be home this year, many are uncertain about how the May 17th of the year will be and where one ends up,” said Askheim.
At the same time, 83 per cent believe that the restrictions on the May 17 celebrations have the effect of limiting the coronavirus infection.

“A solid majority in Norway believe the restrictions have an effect. Of course, it makes it easier to deal with new guidelines. As many as nine out of ten people under the age of 30 believe the restrictions have an effect, and young people deserve respect for their principles during this coronavirus period,” he said. 
Singalong for the whole population
On Monday, May 4, the Ministry of Culture will provide updated advice and suggestions for the implementation of the National Day celebration.

 Minister of Culture Abid Raja has already  published some details at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

At 13 o’clock on National Day, the Armed Forces will perform the 21 gun salute from nine places. Immediately afterwards, Raja hopes that all of Norway will sing the national anthem as one. 

“I hope people will open windows, go out on the balcony, walk out into the street – 2 meters away – and sing the national anthem at the same time,” he said.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today

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