COPENHAGEN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- As fears grow of a new outbreak caused by the Omicron coronavirus variant, the government of Norway on Thursday reintroduced a series of restrictions in and around the capital Oslo.
The move came on the heels of reports that at least 50 persons were found infected with COVID after a Christmas party in Oslo.
"Work is now underway to map how many are infected with the Omicron variant," the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) said in a press release on Thursday.
"All the participants in the event had been urged to be tested (prior to the event), and the vaccination coverage was high in the group," the press release noted.
In another press release issued on Wednesday, the FHI confirmed Norway's first two cases of the Omicron variant, both linked to travel from South Africa.
At a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced the new measures that will enter into force at midnight on Friday. These will include the mandatory use of face masks in shops, restaurants, on public transport and in taxis.
The authorities also urge workplaces to allow employees to work remotely wherever possible. Attendance at indoor private events will be limited to 100 people.
"Coronavirus measures are introduced at three levels," the prime minister said. "Regional measures for municipalities that are disproportionately afflicted by infections; enhanced initiatives for immigrants in Norway; and national initiatives that apply to the entire country."
Norway is also tightening border controls and from Friday midnight will require all arrivals to get tested within 24 hours, regardless of their vaccination status, the Norwegian news agency NTB quoted Minister of Health Ingvild Kjerkol as saying.
According to the FHI, the infection rate continues to rise in Norway, with an average of 2,889 infections per day documented in the past seven days.
On Tuesday, the prime minister outlined the government's new coronavirus strategy. The goal is to contain the infection this winter, but not to believe that the virus will be totally eradicated. By Easter time next year, the government intends to ensure that everyone over the age of 18 has received a booster shot against COVID-19. Enditem
