Norway: Authorities to tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Oslo from March 2 /update 34

Authorities to tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Oslo from March 2; national measures and international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Norway will tighten restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the capital Oslo from March 2 due to rising infection numbers in the city. All nonessential businesses and services must close, and catering establishments may only offer take-away services. Furthermore, all events are banned with limited exceptions such as weddings and funerals, which may have a maximum of five participants.

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, journalists, 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 proof of a negative 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 1, only Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Finnish hospital districts of Central Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North-Savo, and North Karelia are not considered high-risk areas.

As of March 1, cross-border commuters from Sweden and Finland will again be 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.