Norway: Authorities tighten some local restrictions as of Feb. 8 in response to new strain of COVID-19 /update 32

Authorities introduce more stringent local restrictions in western Norway as of Feb. 8; international entry bans remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in western Norway have tightened restrictions on movement and activity as of Feb. 8 in response to local outbreaks of new variants of COVID-19. Affected areas are designated as either Ring 1 or Ring 2:

In Ring-1 locations, which include Bergen, Kvarn, and Ulvik, all nonessential stores must close and all public gatherings are prohibited. Restaurants are banned from selling alcohol and may provide carryout services only. Residents are advised to avoid nonessential travel and not invite people into their homes. . Facemasks are mandatory whenever social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) cannot be observed.
In Ring-2 locations, which include Alver, Askoy, Bjornafjorden, Eidfjord, Osteroy, Oygarden, Samnanger, Ullensvang, Vaksdal, and Voss, larger department stores must close; restaurants may provide indoor services, but may not serve alcohol. Residents are advised against nonessential travel and inviting more than five people from different households into their homes. Facemasks are mandatory whenever social distancing cannot be observed.

Elsewhere, most domestic restrictions remain in place, though they can vary according to local case numbers. In areas of lower COVID-19 activity, nonessential businesses 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.

International entry restrictions remain in effect as of Feb. 8. All international travelers, with the exception of Norwegian citizens and legal residents, are barred from entry; certain exemptions are in place for health workers arriving from Sweden and Finland, freight transporters, and aircraft crews, as well as for close family members of Norway residents. Journalists and other personnel on assignment for foreign media institutions, as well as foreigners who work within critical social functions, are still allowed entry.

Permitted arrivals must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 24 hours. If arriving via air, the test must have been taken no more than 24 hours prior to the aircraft’s scheduled departure time. Norwegian citizens and residents are exempt from this requirement. Travelers from high-risk or “red” 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, provided they can document their self-isolation in accordance with official regulations; otherwise, they must stay in a government-designated quarantine hotel. All arrivals in Norway must also register with authorities during the 72 hours prior to entry.

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.