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NOT ENOUGH: The opposition in the Storting wants more government action. Photo: Vidar Ruud
The government is taking steps to prevent the spread of the new virus mutation. But the Progress Party believes that the new measures are not enough.
– It’s good that Norway is catching up, but honestly, Bent Høie, this doesn’t hold up. A mandatory crown test must be introduced for all travelers to Norway. We don’t know to which countries the mutated virus has already spread, says Åshild Bruun-Gundersen, health policy spokesman for the Progress Party.
Just before Christmas, the FRP proposed to introduce mandatory tests, but it was rejected at the Storting.
– It does not seem that the government takes the infection of imports seriously. During the summer and fall, the government has introduced a series of test and quarantine waivers, and even if they do notice a mutated virus from a neighboring country, they can’t act quickly, Bruun-Gundersen says.
See what Bent Høie had to say about the new virus mutation at Monday’s press conference.
The government’s new temporary measures have the support of Labor Party leader Jonas Gahr Støre, but he also calls for mandatory border tests.
– It is good that the government decides to stop flights from the United Kingdom, and it is necessary given the uncertainty that this new virus entails, Støre tells VG.
– So we believe that Norway should now have mandatory tests at the border. This was voted against by the government parties and the Center Party a few weeks ago.
Støre sees no problem that the rush decision is only valid for two days.
– I interpret it as a desire to buy time to fully evaluate and understand the situation. It is very likely that this measure will continue, says Støre.
– The crucial thing now will be to clarify with other countries if this virus exists to a greater extent outside the United Kingdom and what it will entail. The demanding thing to close the border to a country is what it takes to reopen.
– Are you really very happy with the government?
– Yes, it was absolutely necessary for this decision to come. It’s sad for Norwegians that they can ruin the Christmas celebration, but the imported infection has been an Achilles heel in handling.
Kjerkol: Not as happy as Støre
Labor Party health policy spokesperson Ingvild Kjerkol believes that developments in recent days underline the seriousness of the situation. She responds that the government is open to considering exceptions to the quarantine rules.
– There are probably no good reasons why there should be an exception to the UK quarantine obligation today. Now we should test everyone who comes, regardless of whether they are from the UK or other countries, because we have no guarantee that they weren’t in the UK first, Kjerkol tells VG.
NOT SATISFIED: Ingvild Kjerkol, APS Health Policy Spokesperson. Photo: David Engmo
– Are you as happy as Jonas?
– Of course, it is good that UK planes don’t land when a mutated virus has been produced which the Norwegian Health Directorate estimates is 70 per cent more contagious than what we already have in the country. I mean it is arrogant not to test everyone who comes.
– Wouldn’t you answer yes if you are really very happy with the government?
– No, I’m not happy with the government. I think we should have had mandatory tests at the border since December 15, says Kjerkol.
– Should Jonas have been phrased differently?
– No, I think Jonas has commented on a single measure related to a mutated virus in the UK. There is no controversy between Jonas and me. We strongly agree.
