Norwegian life returns to “normal”
Most COVID-19 restrictions lifted; travel restrictions still in place
Photo: Naina Helén Jåma / NTB
For many, the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Norway and a return to normal life was a day to celebrate.
FRAZER NORWELL
The Local
On Sept. 24, Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced that beginning Sept. 25 at 4 p.m., most of the final remaining national COVID-19 measures in Norway would be dropped and life would return to normal with “increased preparedness.”
“Now we can live almost as we did before the pandemic hit us. I do not think everything will be as before. I think the coronavirus will affect us for the rest of our lives, for better or worse. We have learned how vulnerable we are and how much we can achieve when we stand together,” Solberg said at a press conference.
The decision to lift measures such as social distancing was based on advice from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
In addition, limits on the number of people at gatherings will also be dropped, and rules stopping venues letting in guests past midnight will be repealed, and clubgoers will once again be able to hit the dance floor.
“The NIPH and the Norwegian Directorate of Health gave us advice on Sept. 20 that it will be possible to switch back to normal everyday life around the end of the month. The positive development has continued this week, and that is the reason why the government—after a thorough assessment— has concluded that tomorrow at 4 p.m., we will move on to normal everyday life,” Solberg said.
Although most of the last remaining measures have been scrapped, those who test positive for COVID-19 will still have to self-isolate, and unvaccinated people living with someone infected will also be required to quarantine.
Furthermore, the traffic light system for schools will remain in force, and entry restrictions and travel rules will stay in place for the time being.
Municipalities will still maintain the right to introduce local restrictions, including policies on masks, and they will have the authority to limit the number of people at gatherings.
This article originally appeared in the Oct. 8, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
