What's the government response timeline for Norway?

Dedicated webpage by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health on Coronavirus disease (earliest archived page found on 31 January 2020). Source: https://fhi.no/en/id/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/

Usually, people are just asked to stay home and self-isolate when they develop symptoms. "The exception is if you are healthcare personnel, if you are over 65 years or if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. " https://www.fhi.no/en/op/novel-coronavirus-facts-advice/facts-and-general-advice/social-distance-quarantine-and-isolation/ This date is assumed as the first case was confirmed on 26 February and large-scale testing started from that day https://www.thelocal.no/20200403/how-has-norway-managed-to-test-so-many-for-coronavirus

The Directorate of Health asks employers who have the opportunity to introduce a home office or increased use of flexible working hours to do so. https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/nyheter/anbefaler-tiltak-for-a-redusere-antall-reisende-i-rush-tiden

Banned gatherings more than 500 people https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-11/norway-bans-large-events-bars-travelers-after-77-virus-surge

Travel restrictions implemented in many countries all around the world so that the Norwegian government is advising its citizens to be especially cautious when travelling and staying informed when abroad https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-supports-efforts-to-combat-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/id2690617/

Schools. Universities and day-cares closed in the entire country https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/coronavirus-measures-to-continue/id2694682/

"Some closings targeted toward e.g. hygiene services such as barber shops, as well as restaurants, pubs, fitness centres etc.; also "large and small businesses, restaurants, fitness centres and concert venues" https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/coronavirus-measures-to-continue/id2694682/; https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/coronavirus-measures-to-continue/id2694682/"

Public Transport Remains open as usual but recommend avoiding non-essential travel and social distancing measures Public transport is maintained so that people with critical social functions can get to and from work. Non-essential travel should be avoided https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/nyheter Public transport remains open but it is strongly advised against using it whenever possible https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/nyheter/anbefaler-tiltak-for-a-redusere-antall-reisende-i-rush-tiden Seems to be a recommendation for people to limit/avoid use and not a recommended closure of public transit. But considering the reduced volume, record it as 1G

Dedicated webpage by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health on Coronavirus disease. https://fhi.no/en/id/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/

schools closed as from 13 March but " Managers of childcare centres and headteachers in primary schools must therefore provide a solution for children of healthcare personnel" ; https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/nyheter/the-norwegian-directorate-of-health-has-issued-a-decision-to-close-schools-and-other-educational-institutions; initially untill march 26, measure was extended to April 13; https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/coronavirus-measures-to-continue/id2694682/; Elementary schools planned to re-open on 27th april as per a 7 April Announcement: https://www.thelocal.no/20200422/what-you-need-to-know-about-norways-schools-reopening: https://www.thelocal.no/20200422/what-you-need-to-know-about-norways-schools-reopening

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against trips to the United States and France that are not strictly necessary, continuing to warn against travelling to Italy, Iran, China, Spain, Switzerland, South Korea, Germany and Austria.. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/travel-advice-for-the-united-states-and-france/id2693550/

Large-scale relief for repayment of loans, concessions in receiving unemployment benefits earlier, interest-free loans etc. Generally, a comprehensive list of policies has been announced and implemented on that day https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/regjeringens-strakstiltak-for-a-dempe-de-okonomiske-virkningene-av-koronaviruset/id2693442/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all international travel that is not strictly necessary https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-advises-against-non-essential-travel-to-all-countries/id2693564/ AND Persons arriving in Norway from countries other than Sweden or Finland shall undergo quarantine for 14 days after arrival in Norway. The provision also applies to persons who arrive in Norway from Sweden or Finland after a stay in other countries during the past 14 days https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/9d991e8a50774074b5b703d0268c1b76/regulations_on_quarantine.pdf

Borders closed and ban for entry for foreigners without a residence permit for Norway, quanrantine rules continue to apply https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/stricter-border-controls-being-introduced/id2693624 Government closes the border to foreign nationals who lack a Norwegian residence permit. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/stricter-border-controls-being-introduced/id2693624/

Facilitating the access to loans for small and medium-sized enterprises to increase their liquidity immediately https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/100-milliarder-i-garantier-og-lan-for-a-hjelpe-kriserammede-bedrifter/id2693668/

All people from southern Norway arriving in Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Tromsø, also the regions inside the Arctic Circle, must quarantine for 2-weeks. https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/life-and-public/2020/03/tromso-and-northern-municipalities-impose-quarantine-restriction-travelers

Norway on Thursday banned people from going to their country cabins to prevent the spread of coronavirus and lessen the burden on local public services. People who disobey the order will be fined 15,000 Norwegian crowns, or 10 days in prison if they fail to pay. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-norway-cabins/government-bans-norwegians-from-traveling-to-cabins-amid-coronavirus-idUSKBN21631B

"Employees will retain 100 % of their pay up to 6G (G = the National Insurance basic amount. 1G is NOK 99 858 per May 1 2019) from day 3 up to and including day 20 of the layoff period. The changes are effective from 20 March, but further details will not be formally in place until next week. Employees will receive any money they are owed once the technical solutions are available and NAV has processed their applications. Employees who have been laid off and are still receiving pay from their employers will be transferred to the new system from 20 March inclusive." "The rate of unemployment benefit for people who are laid off and for those who lose their jobs has been raised to 80 % of their income (this is the income calculated by NAV as a basis for paying benefits) for an income of up to 3G and 62.4 % of income between 3G and 6G. This also enters into force on 20 March." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/changes-to-the-rules-for-temporary-layoffs-and-unemployment-benefits/id2694346/

not more than 5 people together in public, means all large-scale events are banned https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/coronavirus-measures-to-continue/id2694682/

No more than 5 people can gather in public. This is from Oslo city but talks about the whole country https://www.oslo.kommune.no/english/coronavirus/status-reports-on-coronavirus-measures/24-march-the-preventive-measures-against-the-coronavirus-continues-until-13-april

"People who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19" is included as 5th in the order of testing priority. https://www.fhi.no/en/op/novel-coronavirus-facts-advice/advice-to-health-personnel/test-criteria-for-coronavirus/?term=&h=1

Usually, people are just asked to stay home and self-isolate when they develop symptoms. "The exception is if you are healthcare personnel, if you are over 65 years or if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. " https://www.fhi.no/en/op/novel-coronavirus-facts-advice/advice-to-health-personnel/test-criteria-for-coronavirus/ This date is assumed as the first case was confirmed on 26 February and large-scale testing started from that day https://www.thelocal.no/20200403/how-has-norway-managed-to-test-so-many-for-coronavirus

New app for infection tracing is launched https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/pressekonferanse-om-bedre-smittesporing-og-okt-testing-av-koronavirus/id2697729/

Kindergartens will open again from April 20, while schools for the youngest age groups will open one week later (27th April) https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/04/07/norway-pm-relaxes-coronavirus-restrictions-but-event-ban-continues/

The controversial ban on staying in cabins and other leisure properties outside of a person’s home municipality will be lifted from April 20. While an overnight stay in a cabin will no longer be a criminal offence, avoiding leisure travel remains a national recommendation. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/04/07/norway-pm-relaxes-coronavirus-restrictions-but-event-ban-continues/

Banned events with more than 500 people in them, which has now been extended until 1st September https://13wham.com/news/coronavirus/norway-extends-ban-on-large-events-to-september-1 https://13wham.com/news/coronavirus/norway-extends-ban-on-large-events-to-september-1

schools for the youngest children open today!

"From Monday 20 April Norway started easing some of the restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus. This includes re-opening nurseries and schools for younger children" https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/coronavirus "Primary and lower secondary schools will remain closed for years 5–10, and these pupils will continue to receive remote schooling." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-gradually-and-cautiously/id2697060/

"Pubs and nightclubs are required to close. Establishments serving food are allowed to open but social distancing restrictions apply." "Businesses such as hairdressers are also permitted to open." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/coronavirus

"The ban on sports, cultural and other events that do not meet basic infection control requirements will apply until 15 June." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-gradually-and-cautiously/id2697060/

"Norway is extending the ban on all events with more than 500 participants until Sept. 1" https://13wham.com/news/coronavirus/norway-extends-ban-on-large-events-to-september-1 The government also advises to "avoid being in a group of more than five people" https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-gradually-and-cautiously/id2697060/

"The Norwegian authorities have issued recommendations that people avoid using public transport unless strictly necessary." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/coronavirus "You are urged to avoid public transport and unnecessary leisure travel." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-gradually-and-cautiously/id2697060/

People are advised to stay at home only in the event of illness: "Respect the rules for home quarantine or home isolation in the event of illness" https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-gradually-and-cautiously/id2697060/

"You are urged to avoid (...) unnecessary leisure travel." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-gradually-and-cautiously/id2697060/

"The Government will close the border to foreign nationals who lack a residence permit in Norway. They will be turned away at the border under provisions of a Norwegian law" https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/stricter-border-controls-being-introduced/id2693624/

All schools are reopened. Source: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/coronavirus-timetable/

"Until further notice, events with 51 or more people are prohibited. From 15th June, events for up to 200 people (from 50 people) may be allowed, depending on the infection status. The possibility to increase from 200 up to 500 people will be assessed month by month." https://www.fhi.no/en/op/novel-coronavirus-facts-advice/advice-and-information-to-other-sectors-and-occupational-groups/arrangementer-og-samlinger/?term=&h=1

Recommended citizens to limit use, not recommended closure. "Public transport: When travelling by public transport, people often gather in crowds and it can be difficult to keep sufficient distance to others. It is therefore recommended to limit the use of public transport. Remember that persons who are in home quarantine after having been in close contact with someone who is infected should not travel by public transport. The health authorities have in collaboration with the transport sector developed guidelines for public transport (in Norwegian) and aviation (in Norwegian) that are also relevant to vacation and leisure travels." https://www.fhi.no/en/op/novel-coronavirus-facts-advice/facts-and-general-advice/travel-advice-COVID19/?term=&h=1

Advice still stands to avoid unnecessary travel, however: "The Government now opens up for tourists to travel from mainland Norway to Svalbard from the 1st of June.... The Governor has announced that the entry quarantine for residents of Svalbard, and those with an established work attachment or research assignment to Svalbard will be lifted from the 15th of May. This is applicable solely to travellers arriving from the Norwegian mainland." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/turister-til-svalbard-fra-1.-juni/id2702865/

"Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice extended to 20 August. '...The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining its current travel advice, which cautions against travel to all countries unless strictly necessary. This travel advice applies through 20 August, but may be adjusted. By 15 June, we will consider amending it for the Nordic countries. And by 20 July we will look at amending it for certain other nearby European countries.’ Prohibitions on entry: Travellers must assume that Norway’s prohibitions against entering the country will remain in effect until 20 August, but the Government will consider whether additional exemptions may be possible. By 15 June, consideration will be given to permitting leisure travellers from the Nordic countries to enter. By 20 July, permitting such entry from other nearby European countries will also be considered." https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/new-guidance-on-holiday-and-leisure-travel/id2702827/

According to announcements made by government on 7th May "The government continues its recommendation for employees to work from home wherever possible. When this isn't possible, employers must ensure staff can keep a distance of at least one metre from each other during working hours. Link: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/coronavirus-timetable/

According to government announcements made on 7th May, "Small events of up to 50 people in public places are also allowed from today, with conditions. Link https://www.lifeinnorway.net/coronavirus-timetable/

According to government announcements made on 7th May ,"The recommended size of groups in private contexts is increased from five to a maximum of 20 people. However, they must keep at least one metre distance from each other. This means that organised sports activities such as workouts can be carried out for up to 20 people with the distance requirements in place. From 17th May, public events will be limited to 50 people. Link: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/coronavirus-timetable/

According to announcement made on 7th May, "The border will remain closed to most foreigners until at least August 20. However, the Prime Minister announced this could be relaxed early for Nordic citizens and potentially some other European countries. Link https://www.lifeinnorway.net/coronavirus-timetable/

According to the news published on 25th May in The Local News, Health Agency of Norway "Norway's health agency has abandoned plans to test broadly for coronavirus after judging that the spread of infection in the country is now so low that doing so would be pointlessInstead, tests will be reserved for those who have symptoms of coronavirus, those who work in healthcare or elderly care homes, and those in risk groups.The institute made an exception for elderly care homes, where it has decided staff and patients can be tested whether they exhibit symptoms or not." Note: Previous dates can be reviewed again . Link: https://www.thelocal.no/20200525/infection-rates-in-norway-too-low-to-justify-broad-testing

"The Norwegian Government introduced a contract tracing app in month of April which I think is tracing comprehensively. But it can reviewed again. I did not change the status April but from dates allocated to me. the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has launched a contact tracing solution to improve the effectiveness of the manual contact tracing technique. The app works by registering the identity of other nearby phones using Bluetooth and collecting movements of the phone using geolocation data in a central server. Unlike solutions from other countries, the Norwegian Smittestopp solution collects data to research the spread of the disease and the effect of actions by health authorities in addition to tracing infections. While the effectiveness of contact tracing apps is contested, it is especially important to ensure that those implemented preserve the privacy of their users, thus safeguarding against many other issues." Link https://medium.com/@jointstatementnorway/joint-statement-on-contact-tracing-for-norway-331ee49fc6f6

As part of the phased reopening of Norway, as of June 15 events with between 50 and 200 people will be permitted. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/the-governments-plan-for-reopening-norwegian-society-and-easing-the-coronavirus-restrictions/id2701493/

As part of the phase reopening of Norway, on June 15th Norway’s borders were opened for leisure travel to and from the other Nordic countries. All regions in Finland, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Denmark currently meet Norway’s criteria. However Norway will maintain quarantine rules and restrictions on entry for people arriving from regions where the level of infection is high. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-opening-up-for-more-leisure-travel-to-and-from-the-other-nordic-countries/id2706368/

The Norwegian Government is planning to allow people resident in the Schengen area/EEA to enter Norway from 15 July, provided that they live in a country or region where the level of infection is acceptable. From the same date, quarantine will no longer be required on entry from these countries and regions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will no longer advise against travel to countries and regions that are excepted from the rules on quarantine on entry. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-planning-to-ease-restrictions-on-travel-to-and-from-other-european-countries/id2721165/

The Norwegian government has revised its coronavirus travel restrictions, allowing people from many European (EU/EEA/Schengen) countries including the U.K. to visit Norway with no quarantine requirement from July 15. However, residents of Portugal, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Luxembourg remain excluded due to the high rate of infection in those countries. With the exception of residents of Kronoberg, Skåne and Blekinge, Sweden also remains excluded. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/07/10/norway-updates-travel-guidance-opens-to-most-european-countries/#65dfe1351ebe

Policies remain the same. https://www.lifeinnorway.net/coronavirus-in-norway/

Policies remain the same. https://www.newsinenglish.no/2020/07/16/updates-here-as-corona-rages-on/

The Norwegian government has announced another extension of its coronavirus measures. All events of more than 500 people will not be permitted until September 2020. https://www.lifeinnorway.net/norway-bans-all-big-summer-events-in-2020/

On the advice of the country’s health authorities, all new voyages with more than 100 people on board will be banned from Norway for the next 14 days. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/08/03/norway-says-no-to-cruises-after-hurtigruten-coronavirus-outbreak/

There is a new a nationwide ban on alcohol serving after midnight in bars and pubs until further notice. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2020/08/07/norway-clamps-down-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-face-masks-a-possibility/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against non-essential travel to the Czech Republic, France, Monaco and Switzerland. These countries are being changed from ‘green’ to ‘red’ on the map showing the status for quarantine on entry to Norway from Europe. From 8 August, anyone arriving in Norway from these four countries will be required to go into quarantine for 10 days. https://www.fhi.no/en/news/2020/changes-in-the-travel-advice-from-8-august/

The government makes changes to the covid-19 regulations: Possibility of cohort division at events that last longer At events that last for a longer period of time, such as trade fairs and sports events, participants can be divided into cohorts with two hundred in each. These can be replaced during the event. It must be possible to carry this out in a professionally sound infection control manner, so that people in different cohorts do not come into close contact with each other when they arrive and when they leave. The number limit of 200 for events still applies. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/regjeringen-gjor-endringer-i-covid-19--forskriften-mulighet-for-kohortinndeling-pa-arrangementer-som-varer-over-lengre-tid/id2724566/

On 14 August, the government announced that during religious ceremonies the government makes an exception to the one-meter requirement in the covid-19 regulations to ensure that religious ceremonies that require short-term close contact, such as baptism and coffin-carrying, can be carried out in accordance with the regulations. The exception also applies to courses that are necessary for certification or approval of professional practice. Emphasis is placed on the contact being short-lived. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/endringer-i-covid-19-forskriften/id2724535/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ global advice against non-essential travel to all countries has been extended and will now apply until 1 October. Countries in the Schengen area/EEA that, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, satisfy Norway’s criteria for acceptable infection levels are excepted from the global travel advice. In response to the global Covid-19 situation, the Government has decided to extend the travel advice until 1 October. From 15 August, the advice against all non-essential travel will apply to the following countries and regions in the Schengen area/EEA: Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Switzerland. It will also apply to the Faroe Islands and certain regions in Sweden and Denmark. The Institute of Public Health is updating the list of countries and regions that satisfy the criteria set for infection levels at least once every two weeks. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/extends_advice/id2724431/

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is expanding its access to provide support to companies that have experienced financial difficulties as a result of the corona pandemic. This is done through exceptions in the state aid regulations. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/utvider-adgangen-til-a-gi-stotte-til-korona-rammede-bedrifter/id2724717/

900 million for a new stimulation scheme and continuation of the compensation scheme for the cultural sector From 1 October, a stimulus scheme will be established to create activity in the cultural sector. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/900-millioner-til-ny-stimuleringsordning-og-videreforing-av-kompensasjonsordningen-for-kultursektoren/id2724890/

The government announced an allocation of one billion kroner for the sports and volunteering scheme from 1 September to 31 December 2020. The arrangement of the compensation scheme for volunteering and sports will be continued in the same way as before. This means that even after 1 September, you can apply for compensation for lost income from, for example, flea markets, rentals, ticket income from sports facilities and other offers. Match day income for top sports will also be compensated, in addition to the loss of ticket income. Organizations that have a significant loss of income from events or other specified activity that is partially canceled, closed or postponed as a result of orders or advice from state authorities, can apply for 70 percent compensation throughout the year. For events or other specified activities that are completely canceled, the compensation is reduced to 50 percent from 1 November to 31 December. For those who complete, the net loss of income will be compensated with 70 percent also after 1 November. With this, the government wants to stimulate activity. The Norwegian Lotteries and Foundations Authority will continue to be responsible for the administration of the scheme, and the practice of ongoing payments will be continued. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/en-milliard-kroner-til-kompensasjonsordningen-for-idrett-og-frivillighet--ordningen-forlenges-ut-aret/id2727287/

New statistics show that many parents chose to keep their children at home after the kindergartens reopened this spring. Children in Oslo had the lowest attendance rate. In some districts, less than half of the children were delivered to kindergarten. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/ett-av-fire-barn-var-hjemme-til-tross-for-gjenapning-av-barnehagene/id2727290/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against non-essential travel to Austria, Greece, Ireland and the UK. In addition to Austria, Greece, Ireland and the UK, the Ministry also advises against non-essential travel to Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, the Faroe Islands, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and certain regions in Sweden and Denmark. Arrivals from these countries must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. A free Coronavirus testing service is available at many international airports in Norway. Taking a test is not mandatory and a negative result does not exempt you from quarantine. People who have returned to Norway from a country that becomes ‘red’ after their return must monitor their health for symptoms of Covid-19. It is very important that they get themselves tested if they experience any symptoms, and that they practise good hand hygiene and maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people. These changes will come into effect at midnight on Friday 21 August. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/changes_advice2/id2724928/ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/entry-requirements

Due to the corona situation and the postponement of the wage settlement, the government decided in April that this year's social security settlement should be postponed until the autumn. - Now the dates for the implementation have been set, and this year's social security settlement will be implemented on 1 and 2 September. The effective date will continue to apply from 1 May, so that the postponement will not have an impact on the individual's annual payment of pension for 2020, says Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Torbjørn Røe Isaksen. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/trygdeoppgjoret-gjennomfores-1.-og-2.-september/id2729766/