Solberg defends decision on quarantine exemption for foreign workers in Norway: “I think it’s right”

Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) confirmed that she was involved in making the decision on quarantine exemptions for foreign guest workers.

Solberg received many questions related to imported infection when she met the press on Wednesday to summarize the last six months. 

She confirmed that she was involved in the discussion.

“This is not something the Norwegian Directorate of Health or the Ministry of Health has done. The government has decided on this,” Solberg noted. 

“It is clear that we will review whether we have done everything in a good way. But I defend the decision. I think it is right that we made it a priority,” she said.

Debate over exceptions 

She denied that – through the exceptions – the government indirectly contributed to the infection increasing over the autumn, which led to a sharp tightening of measures during the second wave. 

When asked what she thinks about the fact that many may have to celebrate Christmas alone because the government opened up to migrant workers, she replied:

“I do not agree with the premise.”

Solberg pointed out that 10% of the corona infection can be linked to imported infection, but that guest workers only represented 38% of this proportion.

“This means 3.8% of cases of infection. The main infection development was not from guest workers,” Solberg said.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today