Easing of COVID measures in the Storting
The Storting has eased the COVID measures it has had in place in recent months in line with Government guidelines. Below is a summary of the measures that still apply in Parliament.
On Tuesday 1st February, the Government removed a large number of COVID-related infection control measures in Norway. The Storting followed suit shortly after, with the result that there have been rule changes relating to visits, committee meetings, hearings, events, travel, and communication activities.
As of Thursday 3rd February, the following rules apply:
- MPs and members of staff may now receive work-related visits. Private visits should still be kept to a minimum.
- Hearings in person may now be held at which both stakeholders and members of the public may attend. One-metre social distancing rules still apply.
- It is up to the standing committees themselves to decide whether to arrange meetings in person or to hold virtual meetings. The Storting’s Rules of Procedure must be observed at all times.
- Committee and delegation trips are now permitted. It is recommended that the committees and delegations assess the risk of infection and its consequences in the event of sickness or compulsory quarantine at the destination in question. This assessment should be when preparing for the trip.
- Events may be held in line with the national rules for events and gatherings.
- Communication activities, such as guided tours and educational games and roleplays in the Storting buildings, are now permitted.
- The public gallery will be open during sittings. Once again, one-metre social distancing rules apply.
- The recommendations to observe the one-metre rule and to use face coverings when this is not possible still apply.
Last updated: 04.02.2022 09:04