Strict coronary restrictions were introduced just a few weeks ago. Measures that have led to a different Christmas for many, but which have also greatly affected the tourism, culture and nightlife industry.
But low infection rates and few hospitalizations are anyway not enough for the restrictions to be reconsidered before 14 January.
The industry is not happy with that decision.
– I notice I get very frustrated, says Karl-Henning Svendsen to TV 2.
– Tired
The director of FHI, Frode Forland, told TV 2 earlier today that despite a suffering industry, the measures will continue for the time being.
– The situation is unstable with regard to infection further, and when we can ease the measures depends on how fast the infection spreads.
Karl-Henning Svendsen is CEO of NoHo Norway, which operates several of Oslo’s largest nightclubs.
When TV 2 tells Svendsen that the current restrictions will not be reconsidered until mid-January, the answer is clear:
– I have no words, I am given up, he expresses and continues:
– We must constantly look at the situation day to day – then they must also be able to do it.
Clear prayer to the government
He believes the situation is critical, and calls for action and support for a desperate industry.
– They have said that they will always see the effect of measures they have introduced, and it is trusted that FHI has the competence for what they decide. Now I’m just given up that they can not have two thoughts in their head at the same time, says Svendsen.
Svendsen believes that the current restrictions could have been resolved in a better way so as not to hit the industry as hard.
– If it had only opened for table service and corona passes, it would have helped a lot.
He has a desperate prayer to the government:
– They say that the Norwegian economy is doing well, but things are not going well with tourism, cultural life and the nightlife industry? Why can they not stand up for us?
Current restrictions for restaurants, cafes and nightlife:
- Pouring stop
- The restaurant shall ensure that everyone can keep a distance of 1m to others than household members and similarly close.
- Restaurants shall not carry out activities that normally involve less distance between guests than 1m (eg dancing).
- The restaurant must ensure infection control, but you must also make sure that you are not too many.
- Requirements for face masks where it is not possible to hold the meter, except while sitting at the table.
- Duty to register guests who agree to it.
Source: Government. no
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– Had meant everything
Svendsen explains that NoHo Norway has closed everything, but still kept the employees in a full position.
– It is clear that it is demanding with the support scheme that is today to issue salaries without having any turnover. Everything is closed, but we do courses, washing down all places and preparations to be able to open again, he says and adds:
– Our employees are guaranteed salaries until December and January, but there is a limit to how long we can have people on the payroll without income.
According to Svendsen, if it became relevant with earlier easing of the restrictions, it would be absolutely crucial.
– It would have meant everything. Then we would have had some turnover.
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