– I would have liked to have had clear dates presented, but there is still a lot that is uncertain, and then in fact not set dates would have given predictability, says Erna Solberg at a press conference after she has presented the government’s reopening plan in the Storting.
After a short repetition of the main points in the reopening plan, the Prime Minister opens up for questions from the press.
Reopens in four steps
– Should have insurance
When asked by Dagbladet about trips abroad this summer, Solberg answers:
– I agree with Monica Mæland: I do not think it is wise to plan anything for June. If you are planning for something later, I think you should have cancellation insurance. The recommendation not to go on unnecessary trips abroad will probably last until the end of June.
– I think quarantine rules will last quite a long time for countries where the infection is significantly above the Norwegian level, she adds.
Rejects “magic number”
When asked by NRK about the “magic number” 200 infected per day, which has been highlighted as a threshold level for the assessment of measures by assistant health director Espen Rostrup Nakstad, Solberg answers that this figure is not part of the government’s reopening strategy.
Solberg says she perceives this number as a “calculation example”.
– This is not part of our reopening strategy. We have three criteria, which we must weigh against each other. When the vaccination among the most vulnerable has been done, we will withstand a higher infection pressure, says the Prime Minister.
May well under 200 infected
Three criteria
On further questions about the number 200, Solberg repeats that it is the government’s three criteria which is decisive for assessments of measures.
Solberg said in the Storting that the progress of the reopening plan is assessed according to the following criteria:
- Infection situation and disease burden
- Capacity in health care
- Vaccination
Calls for European system
When asked why a vaccine certificate can not be introduced already now, Solberg answers that it will also be important to check the systems in the countries the arrivals come from.
– Therefore, many of these schemes are probably best when we have a common European system, which we can all trust. Unfortunately, not all countries where it is impossible to obtain papers and documentation without the action actually taking place, she says.
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