The initial step to loosen COVID-19 restrictions based on the number of cases declining or leveling off in recent days, became a turning point for the coronavirus pandemic that has lasted two years. The Omicron variant has sparked more cases worldwide. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) this week said that some countries could now carefully consider easing restrictions if they have high levels of immunity, strong health care systems and epidemiological trends are heading in the right direction. .
"Now is the time for us to take back our daily lives," said Norwegian Health Minister Ingvild Kjerkol. "Tonight, we're canceling most of the restrictive measures, so we can get closer to living a normal life."
Norway is now re-opening itself. Norway's international borders have been opened, tightening rules regarding travel within the country have also been removed.
As stated by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, the COVID-19 vaccine card until the results of the COVID-19 test are no longer needed to enter Norway. The previous requirement that travelers fill out a digital registration form prior to arrival has been lifted. This rule means that someone who was free to enter Norway before the pandemic can now do the same thing again. However, most airlines still require the use of masks on board. The provision came into effect after the Omicron variant spread rapidly in the country, but trends in healthcare cases are no longer under pressure. Norway has succeeded in reducing the number of hospitalized cases due to COVID-19.
"We can alleviate it, because Omicron did not cause serious disease previous variants. Although infections are increasing, the proportion ending up in hospital is low. We are well protected with vaccines," Store claims.
Life is back to normal in Norway
There are no travel restrictions, Norway also no longer requires the use of masks for its citizens. Following in the footsteps of Denmark and Sweden in recent days. Social distancing rules are no longer applied in public places or facilities.
"The one meter distance rule has prevented us from living together normally as humans," Store said.
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