On Friday, large parts of the country took the first step towards reopening Norway. After three weeks of national bar stops, the taps reopened – to the delight of many Norwegians.
And then the meteorologist delivered to order on the big reopening day, and several used the opportunity for an outdoor beer in the sun.
– OUTDOOR DINING: Sun and temperatures in Bergen city drew satisfied guests to the outdoor seating on the pier on the big reopening day. Photo: Kåre Breivik / TV 2
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– I’m getting a little jealous
The contrasts, on the other hand, are great from Bergen to Oslo. However, the capital and other infected municipalities must wait for the relief. City councilor Raymond Johansen admits that it is heavy.
– I get a little jealous, I think everyone does when we see people toasting and thinking about how much we look forward to it can happen here, Johansen says to TV 2 on Saturday.
OUTDOOR PILS: Out in Bergen, the people enjoy the reopened alcohol serving. Oslo, on the other hand, has to wait a little longer. Photo: Kåre Breivik / TV 2
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The city council leader hopes that the people of Oslo can manage to enjoy themselves here as well, but together with a few close by and without drinking beer outside.
– Right now it is indefensible. The worst that can happen is that we now open up and have to shut down again.
This measure can be facilitated earlier
The City Council has previously said that Oslo must be prepared for a slower reopening than the rest of the country.
Initially, the current measures, which involve a full stop to drinking, closed shops and restaurants, and a ban on more than two guests at home, last until 29 April.
But infection rates are flattening out, and have even had a downward trend in recent days in Oslo. This means that the City Council will now consider facilitating one measure in particular.
TWO WEEKS TO: April 14, the city council announced that the strict measures in the capital will be extended for two weeks, until April 29. Photo: Thomas Evensen / TV 2
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– The first thing we must look at are the most intrusive measures, and it is obviously the rule of two guests at home.
– Do you imagine that it may be allowed with more guests before these two weeks have passed?
– At least that is the assessment I think we must make, because this is so intrusive in people’s lives. So we have to come back to that, at the same time as we sincerely hope that the positive development continues, says Johansen.
– Save your wallet for fines
So far, Johansen points out that we now have to persevere a little longer and get over the knuckle together.
At the same time, he comes up with an invitation to those who would like to be social together in the nice weather this weekend:
– That people go out, keep their distance and meet is perfectly fine. There will probably be some who cross the line and meet too many. They should be careful about that, because there are things that are punishable and can be fined here in Oslo, he says and adds:
SPRING: The nice weather this weekend must be enjoyed in teams with few other people. That is the message from the city council leader. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
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– Then it is better to save that money and spend it on a restaurant when it reopens.
If the people of Oslo manage to keep the infection down while the vaccine doses are now rolling in, Johansen believes that we will face a brighter summer.
– Now we have to increase the vaccine pace, and reduce the infection so that we can prevent too many admissions to the hospitals in Oslo, he says.
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