Norway gradually reintroduces Covid rules, asks people to wear masks

Norway has introduced new measures and recommendations to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Citizens are now advised to wear face masks when in contact with health and care services, on public transport and when shopping, if it is not possible to keep their distance, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced on Tuesday.

From Wednesday, those living with a person infected with the virus will be required to self-isolate until receiving a negative test result.

This rule was binding for all adults, regardless of vaccination status, but only a recommendation for children, Store said.

Those infected with Covid-19 have to quarantine for five days.

The pandemic wasn't over but had entered a new phase, the premier stressed. It was necessary to get used to living with the virus and to controlling it, he added.

Omicron variant

The new Omicron variant created uncertainty, but the government and the authorities were monitoring the situation closely, the premier pledged.

Store also called on all citizens to get vaccinated and to accept booster shots when offered one.

For a long time, Norway fared relatively well during the pandemic and had lifted most of its coronavirus restrictions at the end of September.

In light of resurging infection rates, the government reintroduced new measures in mid-November.

According to the EU health agency ECDC, the country's seven-day incidence rate of infections per 100,000 inhabitants currently stands at around 480.