BREST, FRANCE (VG) Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) warns of relief no later than next Thursday, but adds that they may come sooner. At the same time, he asks people to celebrate the reopening in moderation.
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– We are approaching the time to resolve the remaining measures, Støre says to VG on Friday morning.
The charter plane with Støre and his small entourage is on its way to Brest in France, where the Norwegian Prime Minister will attend the maritime summit of French President Emmanuel Macron.
On Thursday afternoon, the government discussed the situation, and on Friday morning they are out with news about exams.
February 17 is the date we will definitely make an assessment of relief. But it can come sooner, says the prime minister.
– But it does not happen here in Brest, he adds.
He also asks that people show restraint in the event of a reopening:
– When it is right to lighten further, it should not be marked in the form of a celebration, as many marked last time. Because the pandemic can surprise us again, says Støre.
– Why do you ask for a subdued celebration when the reopening takes place?
– We should be very sober. There are risk groups who still experience insecurity and anxiety, and who request that measures be extended. So in step with the easing of measures, it is important to stick to the message of common sense and consideration, says the Prime Minister.
Close family members have tested positive
– Infection is increasing as expected, and it is unclear whether we are close to the peak of infection, but we have increased infection. Many of us notice this in our immediate surroundings, he says.
Støre confirms that close family members have tested positive, but does not want to say which of the closest. But that does not apply to himself, he emphasizes.
It is expected that between three and four million Norwegians will be infected during the winter wave. On the other hand, the burden of disease has not been as bad as first feared, despite the fact that the infection has almost exploded.
NIPH Director Camilla Stoltenberg told VG on Wednesday that they are more confident that it is possible to facilitate the measures – possibly to remove them all. However, it is not known what they have recommended to the government about any relief.
–– It is positive that the admissions have not skyrocketed, and that the number in intensive care has decreased, says Støre.
Now the focus is on the high sickness absence:
– The latest report we have reviewed shows that sick leave is a challenge, but none of the critical societal functions have been postponed because of it. But all employers still need to pay close attention.
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