By Macel Ingles
The Royal Norwegian Government unveiled today its most drastic measures ever in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a press conference at 2 pm today in Oslo, Prime Minister Erna Solberg called for a national“dugnad” or a voluntary action from citizens to help in the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
Among the most important measures Solberg announced include closing all schools in all levels in the country from tomorrow, March 13 over Easter, prohibition of private and job-related travels for health personnels, travel advisories against unnecessary foreign travel, ban against mass gatherings and stricter rules against visits to critical institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and jails.
It also announced that public transport will operate as usual but the public is advised against using public transport unless necessary and to hold one meter distance between passengers. However, airports will not be closed but travellers who had traveled to certain areas will be held in quarantine upon arrival.
Supermarkets and other stores will remain open but the government advised against the hoarding of goods.
The government also revealed the reason for imposing the measures at this point is based on the high incidence of Covid-19 in Norway which has now reported 671 cases, with 163 cases increase within the last 24 hours.
Norway is third in the world with the highest infection rate per capita after Italy and South Korea. It also said that the action is in line with European recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Norway's health sector is bracing for the worst following rising incidence of Covid-19 in the country.
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