The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) is in favor of scaling down the entry restrictions but is facing opposition from the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
The two health authorities thus gave the government conflicting advice on reopening the borders.
The Norwegian Directorate of Health’s recommendation is that, based on an overall assessment, “no easing of entry restrictions should be made at the present time,” as imported infection is still a significant problem.
At the same time, the Norwegian Directorate of Health made it clear that it “does not support” the FHI’s recommendation on the removal of entry restrictions when approximately 80% of the population over the age of 18 has received the first vaccine dose.
Downscaling of restrictions
The FHI’s recommendation includes the downscaling of the restrictions, including the option to remove the quarantine obligation upon entry by a negative PCR test after three days. The FHI believes such a downscaling should be introduced when approximately 80% of the adult population has received the first dose of vaccine.
“Entry restrictions and quarantine hotels are very intrusive for the individual and should only be used when strictly necessary,” the FHI warned.
As of Friday, 87.8% of the population over the age of 18 in Norway received the first dose, while 50.3% received the second dose.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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