More content from the ministry

Revised state budget: Government launches new public health campaign focusing on mental health

The government wants to boost mental public health. This is why ‘ABC For Good Mental Health - A Public Health Campaign’ is being launched. Its goal is to increase public knowledge about mental health, promote good mental health and prevent mental

Revised state budget: Ombudsman for the Elderly to close

The government has announced in its revised state budget that it intends to dissolve Ombudsman for the Elderly (Eldreombodet) as of 1 July 2023. As a result, the budget also proposes a NOK 1 million reduction to the service’s grant for the current

Temporary legislative changes proposed to ensure readiness to receive large numbers of displaced Ukrainians

The situation in Ukraine and the surrounding areas is unpredictable and Norway is planning in order to be able to receive a large number of displaced persons. High numbers of arrivals will increase pressure on basic welfare services, including

Emphasis on responsible health and care services, including in the event of an influx of persons from Ukraine.

In order to be able to manage a very high number of displaced persons from Ukraine to Norway, the Ministry of Health and Care Services is proposing to allow for temporary changes to healthcare legislation.

Long-term COVID-19 strategy to normalise everyday life

The pandemic is now in a different phase, but we must continue to live with COVID-19. The Norwegian Government has devised a strategy and emergency preparedness plan for the continued handling of the pandemic, and is closely monitoring the situation

Norway to take in Ukrainian refugees from Moldova and assist in medical evacuation

In response to a request from Moldova, the Norwegian Government has agreed to help the country by bringing Ukrainian refugees from Moldova to Norway. In addition, Norway will transport Ukrainian refugees needing medical care to Norwegian hospitals

Norway sending large shipment of medical supplies to Ukraine

There is a rapidly increasing need for medical supplies in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. The war has led to shortages of all kinds of medicines, ranging from common painkillers to vital medicines such as insulin, heart medications and

Only people with symptoms should get tested

The Norwegian Government is no longer advising household members and corresponding close relations to get tested after close contact with a person with COVID-19. Now adults should only get tested if they develop symptoms, while children in

People with COVID-19 may be birth partners and visit people who are seriously ill

People with COVID-19 may be birth partners and visit seriously ill family who are in hospital. It must be possible to organise visits in accordance with COVID-19 precautions, and they must be agreed with the ward.

The infection control measures are being removed on Saturday 12 February

The Norwegian Government is removing all regulatory measures against COVID-19, including the requirement to wear a face covering, keep a 1-metre distance, and the duty to go into isolation when people are sick. Some rules for Svalbard are being kept

Development of packages of infection control measures

The Norwegian Government wishes to give the sectors affected by the COVID-19 measures greater predictability. Work is therefore underway on a general framework of packages of infection control measures that can be deployed when needed.

Easing of the rules regarding testing prior to departure to Svalbard

The Norwegian Government is easing the rules regarding travel to Svalbard. This means that permanent residents, people who are fully vaccinated, and people who have recovered from COVID-19 no longer need to get tested prior to departure to Svalbard.

An end to regular testing

The infection rate is so high that regular testing is no longer expedient. Regular testing will therefore end with immediate effect.

Testing to replace transmission quarantine for close contacts

The 10-day transmission quarantine period can now be replaced with daily testing for household members and corresponding close relations. The amendment to the Regulations will enter into effect on 26 January at 12 am.

PCR test no longer required for people with three vaccine doses

Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol is no longer requiring people who have received 3 vaccine doses or who have received 2 doses and have recovered from COVID-19 during the past 3 months to take a PCR test to confirm the presence of

Migration and Integration 2020–2021

Report for Norway to the OECD

Annually Norway sends a report to the OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The report Migration and Integration 2020-2021 - Report for Norway to the OECD is a contribution to the reporting system on migration for the OECD

Removal of current travel quarantine requirements

Following a recommendation from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Norwegian Government is removing the requirement of travel quarantine. It is no longer considered necessary on the grounds of infection control. The requirement will be

Vaccination of children and adolescents against COVID-19

A vaccine will be offered to children aged 5-11 if so requested by their parents or guardians. This vaccination is provided on a voluntary basis, and there is no general recommendation to vaccinate all children in this age group.

Changes to the TISK strategy

The Norwegian Government is making changes to the TISK strategy (testing-isolation-tracing-quarantine). Transmission quarantine is being replaced with more self-testing, and people who receive a positive test result must notify their close contacts.

Use of COVID-19 certificates being considered for events and venues that serve food or alcohol

The Norwegian Government has tasked the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health with considering concrete proposals for Regulations regarding use of the COVID-19 certificate at events and venues that serve food