Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has announced new restrictions on the coronavirus for the country as it tries to stop a third wave of cases.
Reuters reports the new restrictions include a nationwide ban on alcohol in restaurants and bars, as well as a warning against the possibility of passing any guests.
“We see more signs of a new wave of infections,” Solberg said during a press conference.
According to Reuters, Solberg said the Norwegians should suspend their social life for the next two weeks.
“I ask you not to have visitors at home. Wait fifteen days before inviting anyone home or visiting others, ”he added.
These new restrictions come just a day after the country stopped university conferences and instructed students to stay home. Shops, kindergartens, primary schools will remain open, Reuters notes.
On New Year’s Eve, the Norwegian government announced it mandatory tests for travelers Arriving in Norway, you must do so within 24 hours of arrival.
In the announcement, Solberg said: “We are now concerned about import infection and new outbreaks with new mutated versions of the virus. In addition, we are concerned that many will return to Norway after Christmas from countries with an increased level of infection. .. “
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Norway has so far confirmed 48,278 cases of coronavirus and 436 deaths. On December 29, the country broke the record for single-day cases, reporting 2,125 coronavirus infections.
“The government has been forced to make decisions very quickly,” Solberg said in his New Year’s Eve speech, which reflected on 2020. “Often in situations full of uncertainty. We didn’t get it all right in our first attempt. But we have reviewed decisions to incorporate what we are learning along the way. “
Norwegian Health Minister Bent Hoeie said in early December that the country planned to use Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer and BioNTech vaccines in the first quarter of 2021. According to reports, Norway is looking to vaccinate a quarter of its population the first three months of 2021.