Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg has announced new restrictions on coronavirus for the country while trying to prevent a third wave of cases.
Reuters reports the new restrictions include, across the country, a ban on alcoholic beverages served in restaurants and bars, as well as a warning not to welcome guests.
“We see more signs of a new wave of infections,” Solberg said during a news conference.
According to Reuters, Solberg said that Norwegians should suspend their social life for the next two weeks.
“I ask you not to receive visitors at home. Wait fifteen days before inviting someone home or visiting other people, ”he added.
These new restrictions come just a day after the country ends lectures at universities and instructs students to stay at home. Shops, kindergartens and primary schools will remain open, notes Reuters.
On New Year’s Eve, the Norwegian government announced mandatory test for travelers arrival in Norway, must be done within 24 hours prior to arrival.
In the announcement, Solberg said: “We are now concerned about import infection, as well as new outbreaks with new mutant versions of the virus. In addition, we are concerned that many will return to Norway after Christmas from countries with a high level of infection. “
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Norway has confirmed 48,278 cases of coronavirus so far and 436 deaths. On December 29, the country broke its record for single-day cases, reporting 2,125 coronavirus infections.
“The government was forced to make decisions very quickly,” said Solberg in his new year speech, reflecting on 2020. “Often in situations filled with uncertainty. We didn’t get everything right the first time around. But we reviewed our 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 the vaccines from Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and BioNTech in the first quarter of 2021. Norway is trying to immunize a quarter of its population in the first three months 2021.