Norway’s health director fears corona pandemic could also affect May 17 celebration in 2021

Last year’s May 17 celebration was heavily impacted by the coronavirus crisis. 

Health director Bjørn Guldvog fears that this year’s celebration may also be limited due to corona concerns.

“Until now, I have hoped that we can have a celebration. But with increased infection and the new virus mutation, an uncertainty is created that makes it less certain,” Guldvog told P4.

Although the vaccination has started, it is expected that people will have to live with the pandemic for some time to come. 

According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s (FHI) recent risk report, Norwegians “cannot expect a return to normal life in the next six months and perhaps not in the next year.”

A chance

“If these vaccines work against both the original coronavirus and the new, mutated variant, and if we vaccinate people in the risk groups and the health personnel, then there is a chance that we may have fewer measures a little later this spring,” the health director noted.

In 2020, Norway’s Constitution Day was celebrated in line with strict corona regulations. 

On May 17, Norway celebrates the signing of its constitution over 200 years ago, which consequently resulted in its independence.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today