Norway: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Viken County as of March 16 /update 35

Norway tightens COVID-19 restrictions in Viken County effective March 16; national restrictions remain in effect.

Event

As of March 16, authorities in Norway have tightened restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Viken County, including the capital Oslo, due to rising infection rates. All nonessential shops and services must close and catering establishments may only offer carryout services. Individuals must work from home wherever possible. Gatherings and events are prohibited, with the exception of weddings and funerals, and many education services will switch to distance learning. Additionally, protective facemasks are mandatory where social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) cannot be observed. These measures also apply to the Gran Municipality in Innlandet County and will be in effect until at least April 11.

Elsewhere in Norway, most nonessential businesses and services are open subject to strict social distancing and hygiene measures; however, limitations on the size of private gatherings remain in effect. Individuals are advised to limit their social contacts and avoid all nonessential travel. Protective facemasks are recommended rather than mandatory. Additional municipalities with higher rates of infection may also vary the restrictions imposed in their jurisdiction.

International Entry Restrictions
All international travelers, with the exception of Norwegian citizens and legal residents, are barred from entry. Additional exemptions are in place for close family members of Norwegian residents, transport workers, individuals in transit, and foreigners who work within critical social functions.

All permitted arrivals from high-risk areas must register with authorities within 72 hours before arrival and present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before arrival. Norwegian citizens may instead opt to be tested on arrival. Additionally, all arrivals from high-risk areas are required to isolate for 10 days on arrival. Most travelers without a permanent residence in Norway are required to complete their isolation period in a government-designated hotel. The isolation period can be ended following a negative result for a COVID-19 test taken on or after the seventh day of isolation. As of March 16, only Iceland, Greenland the Faroe Islands, and the Finnish hospital districts of Kainuu and Lansi-Pohja are not considered high-risk areas.

Cross-border commuters from Sweden and Finland are again permitted to enter Norway without the need to isolate provided they take a COVID-19 test every seven days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.