Norway: Authorities to ease COVID-19 restrictions April 7 /update 7

Event

On Tuesday, April 7, Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced that Norway will begin easing some of the measures imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The latest announcement comes after the Health Minister's statement on Monday, April 6, that the epidemic in Norway was under control. Some of the current restrictions which are in place until Monday, April 13, include an entry ban on foreigners who do not live and work in Norway, as well as the closure of schools and nurseries. Citizens have also been barred from traveling to their cabins. Due to the improving situation, authorities plan to reopen kindergartens between April 20 to 27, while schools from the first to fourth grade will reopen from April 27. Additionally, Norwegians will be allowed to return to their chalets from April 20. Services which require close contact, such as hairdressing, will resume gradually, while restrictions on sporting and cultural events will remain in place until Monday, June 15.

To date, there are 6086 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Norway, including 89 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.