Norway has implemented restrictions on all travelers arriving in the country from outside Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland) which require visitors and homecoming residents to self-quarantine immediately upon entering the country. The quarantine order is retroactive to February 27.
Norway is essentially shutting itself down for two weeks. All schools, kindergartens, and universities are to close. Most public events are banned. Only restaurants and cafés where food can be served in situations where guests can be seated at least a meter from one another will be open. No buffet service will be allowed. All hair salons and barbershops, along with those offering skincare, massage and tattooing will be closed. Supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg candidly admitted that new preventive measures aimed at controlling the spread of the Coronavirus are the “strictest and most invasive” imposed on Norwegians since World War II.
More than 700 people have been infected in Norway, a number that has drastically increased in the last 48 hours.
Three days ago Israel imposed a self-quarantine for a period of 14-days due to the coronavirus. This applies to foreign nationals and all Israeli citizens.
Coronavirus is spreading around the world. Italy has been hit the hardest, with more than 12,000 confirmed infections and more than 800 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The World Health Organization on Wednesday officially declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic.
Read more: Cruise lines announce major delays and suspensions in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Wednesday 11th March the US announced a 30-day travel ban on travellers arriving from Europe (Schengen countries) which would take effect today, Friday 13th March.