“I have waited a long time for this day,” Oslo Executive Mayor Raymond Johansen told press at a gym in Oslo this morning.

Although he is excited to lift more measures, Johansen has warned that Covid-19 cases may rise as a result. 

“I think we should expect that there will be some increase in infection. People will be interacting more and the virus thrives among people,” Johansen added. 

Johansen has said that restaurants may pose the biggest infection risk. 

The city had adopted a phased approach to step two. Oslo entered the first phase of step two on May 5th when shops and malls reopened.

From Wednesday, the following measures were allowed:

• Cafes, pubs and restaurants reopen, alcohol can be served until 10 pm. The city council hasn’t set a limit, so it is likely that capacity will be in line with national recommendations. 
• Gyms and swimming pools reopen, a capacity of 20 people will be in place. Indoor leisure activities and training for children and young people reopen.
• Cinemas, theatres can reopen for up to 20 people at a time. Museums and galleries can also open.
• Events with up to 20 people in fixed designated seating are allowed. Outdoors the limit will be 30 people without permanent seating and 50 with designated seating.

Oslo’s executive mayor said that the city’s council would consider lifting more measures on June 10th. The mayor wouldn’t say whether the city would move completely to step three in June.

The executive mayor also said that a rise in infections is unlikely to prevent more measures being lifted, due to the majority of older people having received a vaccine. 

“We are making good progress with the vaccination program. This means that we can tolerate somewhat higher infection rates, because the younger people who become infected do not become seriously ill,” Johansen said.