The government recommends that people in the Oslo and Inner Østfold region wear face masks on public transport when it is full, and impossible to keep one meter away.
Both disposable face masks and cloth face masks can be used, the Ministry of Health states.
Minister of Health Bent Høie emphasizes that face masks do not replace the rule of one meter distance.
“The protective effect of face masks is estimated to be 40 per cent, while keeping at least one meter distance is estimated to reduce the risk of infection by 80 per cent. The meter is therefore more important than the face mask,” he says.
The use of face masks is an act of solidarity, according to Høie.
“Many people think you use a face mask to protect yourself from infection, but you first and foremost protect others from infection if you have the coronavirus without knowing it. There will be campaigns that inform about the correct use,” he says.
For children who attend primary school (1st – 7th grade) and those who are younger than this, it is not recommended to wear a face mask. Children under the age of two should not wear face masks at all.
The recommendation is valid from Monday 17 August and for the next two weeks.
This applies to travel within Oslo municipality and to and from the municipality. This also applies to the housing and labor market region of Inner Østfold, which consists of Inner Østfold municipality, Rakkestad municipality, Skiptvet municipality and Marker municipality.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
So how are people supposed to know beforehand when the bus or train will be full? Granted, they could be expected to be full during student or work rush hour.
This should be mandatory, not just a recommendation.
And why was the announcement so late before Monday?
When the schools reopen … without facemasks for the kids and without any directive about opening windows (and doors) for ventilation with outside air to thin the virus in the air … the virus will take off and spread like wildfire, and the tremendous SAFETY victory … and economic sacrifices … of the extreme lockdown will be just thrown away.
Obviously.