Only one in ten opted for a Corona test at the border

Only ten percent of everyone who crosses the border into Norway was voluntarily tested., the health authorities say.

-”It is not realistic to test everyone who comes to Norway, but it is possible to test more than today.”, said the Director of Health, Bjørn Guldvog, at the government’s press conference on the Corona situation on Thursday.

The government, therefore, proposes an earmarked subsidy plan to cover the municipalities’ costs for the establishment and operation of test centers at selected airports, border crossings, and ports throughout Norway. There, all travelers will be offered to be tested for free.

So far, only one in ten opted to be tested.

-”We are very happy about that, it already shows at the introduction that this is an offer being used.”, says Guldvog. Even if you test negative, the quarantine obligation of ten days will still apply, the health authorities emphasize.

The Minister of Health, Bent Høie (H), emphasizes that it is important to reduce the risk of importing infection into Norway.

-”At the same time, we want to avoid the major negative consequences of closing borders, for example for workplaces. That is why we strengthen the control and reception of those who come into Norway.”, he says.

Several municipalities that the Norwegian Directorate of Health have been in contact with have pointed out the challenges in obtaining enough health personnel for the test stations. However, it is allowed to use assistants with the necessary qualifications and training, such as people from the Civil Defense, the Norwegian Red Cross Auxiliary Corp, Norwegian People’s Aid, or medical and nursing students.”, says Høie.