Norway imposes tough entry rules to stem spread of new virus strain
"In practice, the border will be closed to everyone who is not resident in Norway," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a press conference.
Norway's government on Wednesday announced strict entry restrictions as part of an effort to stem the spread of a British mutation of the coronavirus that is significantly more transmissible.
"In practice, the border will be closed to everyone who is not resident in Norway," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a press conference.
The moves were to take effect on Friday and be in place for at least two weeks.
"It is absolutely necessary with tighter measures and restrictions. We must be prepared for stricter entry restrictions for a period longer than 14 days," Solberg added.
Exceptions included people involved in delivering key goods and services or employees in the health sector.
The government said it acted on advice from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the National Institute of Public Health.
Shops closed in Oslo
Norway has earlier required a negative coronavirus test before arrival, registration of the purpose of the trip, and to self-isolate for 10 days.
At the weekend, the government ordered the temporary closure of most shopping venues in the greater Oslo region, including Oslo, to stem an outbreak of the new strain.
The temporary closure also affected gyms, swimming pools and sports centres. Exceptions include grocery stores, pharmacies and petrol stations.
People were urged to work from home where possible, avoid all non-essential travel and limit contacts outside their own household.