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Oslo extends coronavirus social lockdown into December

The Local Norway
The Local Norway - [email protected]
Oslo extends coronavirus social lockdown into December
File photo: AFP

The city government in Oslo has decided to extend current Covid-19 restrictions until December 14th.

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The restrictions, which came into effect two weeks ago, will therefore remain in place for at least another 18 days.

The decision was made following the registration of 1,256 new cases of Covid-19 in the city over the last two weeks, the highest 14-day total so far recorded.

Yesterday saw 176 new cases in the city, 14 more than the day before, according to NRK.

That means that measures termed a ‘social lockdown’ will continue in the city. These include the closure of a broad section of sports and culture facilities, assembly limitations, as well as a ban on serving alcohol at all times.

Additionally, school grades 8-10 (ungdomsskole) are currently at the ‘red' level of restrictions used by health authorities for schools.

This means measures including reduction of group sizes, minimal contact between different classes and varying attendance times for different classes, with an emphasis on online classes, where possible.

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“It appears that we are going to have to live with these measures for the rest of 2020,” Oslo’s mayor Raymond Johansen said in announcing the extension.

“Even though infection numbers in the city look to be flattening, I’m concerned about infections in some neighbourhoods,” he also said.

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While schools remain open in the capital, Johansen said that targeted restrictions may be considered in certain neighbourhoods.

One of the primary objectives of restrictions is to keep schools open.

The Oslo restrictions in full are:

  • All indoor events are banned.  The only indoor social activity allowed is gatherings in private homes, where there can be up to ten people, if infection control measures are complied with.
  • Weddings, confirmations and other family gatherings where there are more than ten people are not allowed.
  • All businesses where cultural and leisure activities take place closed, except libraries.
  • Cinemas, theatres, playgrounds, gyms, sports and swimming pools closed.
  • Grass roots sport (breddeidrett) and leisure activities for adults to stop.
  • Bars banned from serving alcohol. 
  • Restaurants can stay open but without serving alcohol.
  • Passengers and drivers in taxis must wear face masks.
  • Shops and malls must ensure the number of customers does not prevent two-metre social distancing being maintained.
  • Red’ level at upper secondary schools and adult education, with reinforced infection control measures and smaller groups.
  • School grades 8-10 (ungdomsskole) also at the ‘red' level of restrictions used by health authorities for schools.

Here are some exceptions:

  • Libraries remain open.
  • Children's sports can train, but not participate in competitions and tournaments.
  • Organised leisure activities for children can continue.
  • Elite sports can be carried out but with the spectators outside not inside.
  • Funerals and burials can be held.

 

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