Norway introduces mandatory crown test and closes several border crossings – NRK Norway – Summary of news from different parts of the country

Starting January 2, 2021, everyone entering Norway from red countries must take a corona test. As far as possible, the test should be done at the airport or border station. If this is not possible, the test must be done no later than one day after arrival.

However, there are some exceptions to the obligation of proof. Children under 12 years old do not need to be tested. Some exceptions are also made for, among others, people in critical social functions, border travelers, long-distance transportation drivers, and diplomats.

The measure is reconsidered after four weeks. Violation of the obligation of proof can be punished with fines.

Fear of import infections

The reason for the hardening is fear of the mutated variant of the virus that was first discovered in the UK.

– Now we are doubly concerned about the infection of imports. We are both concerned about outbreaks of new variants of the mutated virus that may be more contagious, with many returning to Norway after Christmas from countries with much higher levels of infection than we have here, Prime Minister Erna Solberg says in a press release.

The test requirement for travelers from red countries is based on assessments from the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Close several border crossings

The main rule is that the test must be done at the border. The test stations are staffed and new test stations are being considered. Both at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport and at various border stations along the highway and in ports, capacity will need to be expanded.

– This means that people who are offered the test at the border, as a general rule, should do it there, emphasizes Justice Minister Monica Mæland (H).

Norway has approximately 110 approved border crossings. To improve control and ensure that testing is possible at the border, several smaller border crossings will be physically closed. That are not yet decided.

– I will decide which border crossings will be closed and which exception groups can still use the closed border crossings, says Justice Minister Monica Mæland (H).

Will prevent complete shutdown

The new variant is estimated to be 55 to 75 percent more contagious. This corresponds to an increase in the so-called R number by 0.4, according to the government.

– If this mutation were to spread in Norway, it would probably require a complete closure of the company. We must do everything possible to prevent the new variant of the virus from taking hold in Norway. Testing is the only way to find out if travelers from red countries are carriers of this virus, says Solberg.

The Government estimates that the R number in Norway is now around 1. If the R number is increased to 1.4, it is estimated that Norway’s intensive capacity will be exceeded within 4-5 weeks.

– We have to limit the spread of the virus mutation as much as possible. There is a high probability that the mutation could also reach Norway from countries other than the UK. The requirement for a mandatory test is in addition to the schemes we have already established with requirements for a negative test prior to entry, check-in and the quarantine obligation, says Health Minister Bent Høie.