Travelers to Svalbard to be tested for corona regardless of vaccination status

Longyearbyen SvalbardPhoto: Eirik Hodne / Unsplash

People traveling to Svalbard will have to take a rapid test within 24 hours of arrival.

The new requirement also applies to fully vaccinated people and those who have already had COVID-19, Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol (AP) stated.

“There is now a lot of infection circulating in the community on the mainland, and we are worried about outbreaks in Svalbard,” she said.

Requirements for testing before departure will also remain in place. Overall, this will reduce the risk of the spread of infection on Svalbard, Kjerkol emphasized.

“Vulnerable”

“Svalbard is more vulnerable than the mainland, with limitations in the capacity of the health service and long transport times in cases when intensive health care is needed. 

“Due to the uncertainty associated with the new omicron variant, we are now introducing further measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks on Svalbard,” she said.

The testing obligation applies to almost everyone, but some exceptions can be made, including for children under 16 years of age. In the event of a positive test, the person must immediately isolate themselves and report the result to Longyearbyen Hospital.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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