Covid-19 measures in Oslo have been relaxed, with majority of local restrictions replaced by looser ones national rules.
the new rules are a mix of stages three and four of the city’s five-stage reopening plan and were introduced after the lowest number of infections since last fall was recorded in Oslo last week.
“The gradual and controlled opening of Oslo is a success. Many of the rules that the people of Oslo had to live with are now removed, and we will essentially live with the same corona rules as people elsewhere in Norway ”, said the executive mayor of Oslo, Raymond Johansen, during a press conference on Tuesday.
However, not all local restrictions have been lifted, meaning there is a mix of local and national rules in place.
Below we will see how the measures will affect daily life in Oslo.
At home
The important change here is that the ban on having more than ten people gathered in the house has been completely lifted. Instead, this will be replaced with the national recommendation not to have more guests.
So, although it will not be recommended to have more than ten guests, it is no longer a binding rule.
READ MORE: What happens if you get caught breaking the Covid-19 rules in Norway
Purchases
Local rules for malls and stores have also been changed. There will no longer be a rule making masks compulsory in stores. On top of that, the official social distancing measure has been cut in half, to one meter, and the limit on the number of people allowed in stores has been removed.
However, it should be noted that some stores may wish to keep certain infection control measures in place if they feel it helps keep staff and shoppers safe, so it may be worth bringing a mask when shopping. your next trip to the stores just in case.
Face masks
The rule on compulsory masks in public was also given the ax, with two exceptions.
You will still need it if you take public transport or take a taxi.
Masks will no longer be needed in stores, gyms, museums and galleries, indoor pools, spas, and hotel facilities such as swimming pools and dining rooms.
While some places may still wish to continue with a mask policy, so be sure to have one on hand to be sure.
Hospitality
In indoor public places, such as restaurants, 50 people are allowed in places without fixed assigned seats and 200 people at events with fixed assigned seats.
Outside, 200 people can meet in cohorts of three, which means a potential venue of 600 for seats with space and capacity and where there are fixed designated seats.
Soon, when the government changes its event rules, up to 5,000 people will be able to meet when a seating plan is in place, provided venues are not operating above 50 percent of their capacity.
Up to 20 people can reserve a table in a restaurant or bar indoors and 30 people outdoors.
Alcohol can now be served until midnight instead of 10 p.m., and this rule will remain in effect until July 4. The cut-off point will remain in place even if national rules change and allow alcohol to be served later.
Sports, recreation and entertainment
Bingo halls, bowling alleys, arcades and playgrounds can now reopen.
Oslo‘s cap on the number of people allowed in gymnasiums, museums, galleries and indoor swimming pools has been lifted.
Now 20 people can workout, swim or admire art indoors, and up to 30 can do so outdoors.
Schools
However, the restrictions for schools and kindergartens have not changed.
This means that schools and kindergartens in Oslo will remain at the yellow level.
The yellow level means that full classes are allowed, but mixing between classes should be kept to a minimum. The yellow level also means that increased cleaning and hygiene measures are also in place.
People are still required to work from home whenever possible until July 4.
Executive Mayor Johansen previously said the head office would be one of the last pandemic measures to be taken, meaning it could be here for quite some time longer.