Government introduces strict corona measures in Færder, Holmestrand, Horten, Larvik, Sandefjord, and Tønsberg

The Norwegian government is introducing regional measures in Færder, Holmestrand, Horten, Larvik, Sandefjord, and Tønsberg after the mutant virus has spread in the area.

“The six municipalities have a rapidly increasing infection trend, and there is an unknown route of infection to several of the infected. This is also an area where there is great mobility between the municipalities. The government has, therefore, at the request of the municipalities, decided to introduce regional measures,” Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie (H) noted in a press release.

The rules apply from midnight, March 5, until and including Tuesday, March 16. A new assessment will be made before the measures expire.

Færder and Tønsberg municipalities will have measures at the A level (particularly high), while four other municipalities will have measures at the B level (high).

Necessary to act

“In recent days, we have had a strong increase in infection and also a high incidence of infection with an unknown route of infection. It is absolutely necessary to act quickly and strongly to limit the outbreak of infection”, Mayor Anne Rygh Pedersen in Tønsberg Municipality noted.

Recently, several cases of infection with an unknown route of infection have been detected in the Municipality. 

“When infections with an unknown route of infection are at 25-35%, we must do what we can to get better control. We also know that the measures that are being introduced now will be perceived as difficult for many people. I have great respect for that, and I hope we will see a good effect of the measures so that we can return to a more normal everyday life fairly quickly,” Rygh Pedersen added.

Decrees

Tønsberg Municipality introduced mandatory face masks and an event ban on Wednesday, March 3. On the night of Friday, March 5, further measures will be put in place through the regional regulations.

Previously, two areas in Eastern Norway (around Halden and Nordre Follo), as well as Bergen/Ulvik in Western Norway, have had a similar regional package of measures introduced. 

These measures have been repealed.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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