Government of Norway

05/04/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/04/2021 06:02

Temporary adjustments to Level A measures

Level A, the strictest level of regional measures, has been designed to normally last for 2-3 weeks. This level of measures has applied to 20 municipalities in Viken for considerably longer than this. The Norwegian Government therefore asked the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health to make temporary adjustments to the Level A measures in order to take this into account. The Norwegian Government is now granting more people access to premises at universities, university colleges, and vocational schools if they are tested regularly. Florist shops that are smaller than 250 sq.m. may open. The changes will enter into effect on 16 April at 12 am.

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'When the Level A measures were designed, they were not intended to last for such a long period of time. The recent extension of Level A measures for 20 municipalities in Viken means that the inhabitants must live under such a strict regime for close to 6 weeks. These temporary adjustments to the Level A measures will hopefully lessen the consequences of the measures', says Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie.

In municipalities with Level A measures, the premises at universities, university colleges, and vocational schools have been closed to all students. From 16 April, premises on campus may open where access to the premises is essential for students who need to carry out experiments or receive skills training that cannot be completed digitally, this is necessary to ensure progress in their programme of study, and students are tested regularly for COVID-19 in accordance with the advice from the municipal infection control authority.

Also libraries and reading rooms may open to students who are tested regularly for COVD-19.

Florist shops in municipalities with Level A measures may open if the sales area does not exceed 250 sq.m. and the shop mainly sells flowers that are highly perishable.

An announcement was also made on Tuesday 13 April of two changes to the Level A measures for elite sports: organised training for elite athletes was permitted from 13 April at 4 pm, and practice matches in the top two levels of the Norwegian football league for women and men were permitted from 16 April at 12 am. Only players, support apparatuses and referees may attend these practice matches.

All three levels of regional measures under review
The Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health are continuing the work of reviewing all three levels of regional measures from an overall perspective and making adjustments to them (Levels A, B, and C).

'Level A measures are challenging for the inhabitants that they apply to. However, we need this level of measures as a tool to suppress outbreaks quickly and effectively over a relatively short period of time. The Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health are currently considering whether Levels B and C can be adapted for use in areas in need of strict measures over a prolonged period of time. The goal is to ease some of the burden for people who live in these areas', states Mr Høie.

Adjustments to national measures - outdoor training
The Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have proposed introducing a recommendation of a maximum of 20 people at outdoor organised training for adults. The Norwegian Government agrees. The recommendation will enter into effect at the same time as the other changes to the national measures, on 16 April at 12 am.

The recommendation will be that:

  • Adults may participate in organised outdoor activities in groups of up to 20 people, as long as they can keep a distance of at least 1 metre.