Norway: Authorities announce list of countries exempt from travel ban from July 15 /update 11

Event

Norwegian authorities announced a list of over 20 countries from which travelers will be able to travel to Norway from July 15, amid the further easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Travelers from these countries will be allowed to enter the country without facing a mandatory 10-day quarantine period upon arrival. The countries listed by the Norwegian government have all been classified as 'low risk' in regards to COVID-19, all of which can be found here. Prime Minister Erna Solberg said Norway will assess the public health situations of each Nordic nation and will review its travel advice every fortnight.

As of July 10, Norway has recorded 8965 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 252 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is likely in the near term.

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.