Oslo, Feb. 13 (BNA) Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Saturday that Norway will cancel almost all remaining lockdown measures due to the emerging coronavirus, as high levels of coronavirus infection are unlikely to jeopardize health services.
The Scandinavian country, which removed most restrictions on February 1, will still maintain some restrictions on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Reuters reported that the new rules will come into effect on Saturday at 1000 CET (0900 GMT).
“We are working to remove almost all coronavirus measures,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoer told a news conference.
“The coronavirus pandemic is no longer a major health threat to most of us. The omicron virus causes much less serious disease and we are well protected by vaccines.”
Norwegians will no longer need to stay at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart or wear face masks in crowded places. The cancellation of these measures means that nightclubs and other entertainment venues affected can fully resume operations.
In addition, infected individuals no longer need to isolate themselves. Instead, you are advised to stay at home for four days.
Travelers to Norway will no longer need to check in early and the government is also repealing the previous requirement to prove negative pre-departure testing for some visitors, such as unvaccinated people.
Norway went into partial lockdown in December to combat the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus.
The government said visitors to Svalbard, where health services are limited, should continue testing before and after arrival, while international charter flights to the archipelago remain suspended.
MI