“This is great news, and in line with what we have worked for both in Norway and internationally. The quarantine hotel arrangement has been a major disadvantage to the industry, so it has been a priority to change this practice,” says Acting Director General of Navigation and Shipping, Lars Alvestad.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has announced that the amendments will enter into force at 3 p.m. on Friday 21 May.
Persons who already stay in a quarantine hotel may conform to the new rules from this time. The amendments mean that these groups of people may now follow the quarantine rules the same way they did before the provisions were tightened on 9 May.
Seafarers signing on ships in Norway will be able to undergo their quarantine on board the ship on which they will serve.
Persons with critical societal functions who will work in Norway may undergo their quarantine in their own private accommodation or in a location which has been pre-approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.
“Seafarers and persons carrying out critical societal functions in Norway are essential to keep the wheels turning. This amendment will make it easier to conduct necessary crew changes in Norway and help maintain critical societal operations, such as the supply of goods and production on the Norwegian continental shelf,” says Minister of Trade and Industry, Iselin Nybø.
The amendments do not apply to seafarers who have been on an essential work trip outside the EEA/Schengen area or the UK and returning to Norway. This group of people still needs to stay in a quarantine hotel when arriving in Norway.
The amendments follow professional recommendations from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.