Norway: Authorities tighten coronavirus-related restrictions in Oslo and surrounding municipalities through at least Jan. 31 /update 29

Norway tightens restrictions in Oslo and nine neighboring municipalities through Jan. 31 due to concerns over spread of new COVID-19 strain.

Event

Authorities in Norway tightened restrictions in Oslo and nine neighboring municipalities from Jan. 23 due to concerns regarding the spread of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strain, which was initially discovered in the southeast of England. The affected municipalities are as follows: Oslo, Nordre Follo, As, Vestby, Nesodden, Indre Ostfold, Frogn, Enebakk, Moss, and Valer. Residents of these municipalities are instructed to not travel to other municipalities until further notice. Shopping centers and other nonessential businesses in these areas will be closed until at least Jan. 31. Essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations will remain open. Restaurants are limited to takeaway services. All social gatherings and public events are canceled apart from funerals. Organized sports activities will be suspended, and schools will transition to more remote learning.

Authorities are maintaining restrictions on domestic activity and international entry as part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most domestic restrictions remain in place, though officials have relaxed some restrictions on educational facilities and sporting activities in areas with low infection rates. People in these areas can now host up to five guests from separate households within their homes. Private gatherings outside are limited to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors. Individuals are advised to limit their social contacts and avoid all nonessential travel. Protective facemasks are recommended where social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) cannot be observed.

Tougher measures are in place in municipalities with higher infection rates, such as Oslo, including the mandatory use of facemasks whenever social distancing cannot be observed and additional restrictions on nonessential businesses.

All international arrivals must take a COVID-19 test either directly upon arrival or up to 24 hours after entering the country. A second test must be taken no sooner than seven days after arrival. All arrivals into Norway must also register with authorities during the 72 hours prior to entry. All EU and Schengen Area countries remain designated as high risk (red level), with the exception of Greenland and parts of 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, though some exemptions do not apply to travelers arriving from the UK.

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. Travelers from most non-EU and Schengen Area 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.