The last step in the Norwegian government’s reopening plan will not be implemented right away due to the uncertainty related to the delta variant of the coronavirus.
The government announced the news at a press conference about the corona situation and reopening on Monday afternoon.
“The Norwegian Directorate of Health and the National Institute of Public Health (FHI) recommend that we do not proceed to step 4 now. We support this. A transition to the next step can take place no earlier than the end of July or the beginning of August,” Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) said at the press conference.
Changes to step 3 rules
It also became clear that some adjustments are being made to the rules in step three. Among other things, the government will allow events with slightly more participants than before: from 5,000 to 7,000 at outdoor events with corona certificates and permanent, designated places. The requirement to stop guest admission at midnight at such events is also being removed.
Schools, kindergartens, and after-school activities must prepare for the “yellow” level in areas with a lot of infection.
All business travelers from the EEA can travel to Norway from the end of July
All business travelers who are covered by the EEA regulations, as well as business travelers that are EEA citizens from “green” third countries, will be allowed to travel to Norway from the end of July.
In addition, there will be some relief for families, the government announced.
Until now, there was a requirement that relatives must be under 21 years of age to visit, so adult children were not allowed to visit parents.
In addition, spouses and children of working EEA citizens will get access to the country. The exact date for the relief has not yet been set.
Step 4 details
Already last week, Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie (H) warned that step four could be postponed due to the delta variant.
Step four of the government’s reopening plan would entail universities and colleges largely returning to physical education, mostly normal grassroots sports activities, removal of the requirement for table service, and more people allowed at events.
However, general infection control measures and entry restrictions would still apply even in step 4.
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