Norway: Authorities extend coronavirus-related ban on all direct flights with UK until at least Jan. 2 /update 25

Event

Authorities in Norway have extended their ban on all direct flights with the UK until at least 1500 Jan. 2. The measure was originally implemented on Dec. 23 due to the discovery of a new variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and slated to expire Dec. 29. Officials have warned that the flight suspension may be extended further. In addition, all arrivals from the UK, irrespective of nationality, are subject to the following regulations through at least Jan. 10, 2021:

Travelers from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.
Travelers must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival in Norway. A second test must be taken no sooner than day seven after arrival.
All travelers who arrived in Norway in the 14 days prior to Dec. 21 must take a PCR test for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Quarantine exemptions in place for incoming travelers of certain nationalities will not apply when those travelers are arriving from the UK.

Authorities plan to continue domestic measures introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19 until at least mid-January amid plateauing infection rates. Private gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited. Public indoor events without fixed seating are limited to 50 people and events with assigned seats are limited to 200 people. Bars must close at 2359; restaurants that serve alcohol may not admit new customers after 2200. Individuals are advised to limit their social contacts and avoid all nonessential travel. Facemasks are recommended where social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) cannot be observed.

Local authorities are empowered to implement stricter measures in their jurisdictions in response to increasing infection rates. Tougher restrictions are in place in Oslo until at least Jan. 7. In the nation's capital, working from home is mandatory where possible. Most cultural, leisure, and entertainment facilities are closed. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Restaurants and bars are prohibited from selling alcohol. Additionally, facemasks are mandatory whenever social distancing cannot be observed, such as when using public transport and taxis.

All EU and Schengen Area countries remain designated as high risk (red level), with the exception of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, the Ostrobothnia region, and the Ita-Savo Hospital District in Finland, which are designated as moderate-risk (yellow level) locations. Those arriving from red locations must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than 72 hours before entry; persons without such tests may be refused entry. Norwegian citizens and residents, as well as persons who come from Finland and Sweden regularly for work, are exempt from this requirement. Travelers from high-risk areas must also self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers who do not have permanent residence in the country or a suitable place of residence upon arrival can stay in a hotel of their choice, providing they can document their self-isolation in accordance with official regulations; otherwise, they must stay in government-designated quarantine hotels. This also applies to persons traveling to visit relatives in Norway. Travelers arriving from moderate-risk locations are not required to self-isolate.

Travelers from most other countries are currently prohibited from entering Norway. Individuals with close family in Norway or who have been granted permits to work or study in the country are exempt from the travel ban but must meet the same entry requirements as those traveling from a high-risk location. Authorities continue to advise against nonessential travel abroad.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.