Step four in the reopening plan could be postponed due to the delta coronavirus variant, Minister of Health Bent Høie said on Thursday.
“There is one week left until three weeks have passed since step three (of the reopening plan), but with the uncertainty associated with the delta variant, my priority will be to avoid taking a step back in the summer month of July rather than taking a step forward,” Høie told newspaper VG.
Step four would mean that a good deal of corona restrictions would be eased. However, general infection control measures and entry restrictions would remain in place.
“It is correct to consider whether the time for introducing step four can be postponed somewhat. Not necessarily long, but somewhat,” health director Bjørn Guldvog added.
Multiple considerations
The introduction of step four has to be weighed against the infection situation, the vaccination process, and the burden on the health service.
“We do not yet know enough about how the situation will look like in Norway when the delta variant becomes dominant. The vaccination comes with positive and negative news, and there is still uncertainty ahead that we must take into account,” Høie added.
Step three was introduced on Sunday, June 20.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
Do you have a news tip for Norway Today? We want to hear it. Get in touch at [email protected]
Leave a comment