Norway to scrap most COVID-19 restrictions

Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced on Saturday that the country will end almost all of its remaining coronavirus restrictions, noting that its health services are unlikely to be affected by high levels of infection in the future.

The country, which ended most of its lockdown measures on Feb. 1, will now only keep restrictions in Svalbard, according to Reuters.

“We are removing almost all coronavirus measures,” Stoere reportedly said during a news conference. “The coronavirus pandemic is no longer a major health threat to most of us. The omicron virus causes far less serious illness and we are well protected by vaccines.”

With the end of the restrictions, Norwegians will not be required to wear masks in crowded public settings. They will also no longer be asked to social distance, the news outlet noted.

Entertainment venues, including nightclubs, will be able to reopen to full business capacity, Reuters reported.

Those who do become infected with the coronavirus will no longer need to self-isolate but instead will be recommended to remain at home for four days.

The government is also getting rid of the requirement for travelers to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure and will not require them to register their arrivals prior to traveling. People who travel to Svalbard will still be required to take a COVID-19 test before they travel and after they arrive due to limited health services in the area, according to Reuters.