Information from NIF: On Wednesday (April 7th), Prime Minister Erna Solberg presented a reopening plan for Norway. The plan consists of four phases, detailing which measures will be eased at each stage. The first phase will involve reversing all or part of the strict national measures implemented before Easter. Children and youth will be prioritized first, followed by workplaces and businesses. “The pace of reopening must be based on data, not dates,” said Solberg. Therefore, the reopening plan is not scheduled according to specific dates, but the Prime Minister indicated that phase three could be completed by the end of June. Before moving from one phase to another, assessments will be made based on three checkpoints, according to the government: Infection situation and disease burden Healthcare capacity Vaccination “We are pleased that children and youth are prioritized in the government's reopening plan, and that they can resume normal training and competition activities as soon as possible, first locally, then regionally. At the same time, for the first time, amateur athletes over 20 years old are included in a reopening plan for sports. This is positive. The past year has been painful for our adult amateur athletes, but now we finally see a small light at the end of the tunnel,” says Sports President Berit Kjøll, adding: “For elite sports, it is now crucial that our top athletes can get back to training and competitions as soon as possible to ensure equal competitive conditions in preparation for upcoming international championships and competitions. Next week, the government will assess whether to allow outdoor training matches in leagues where the majority of athletes are professionals. The following easing measures will apply to sports at each phase: Phase 1: Children and youth under 20 years can train and participate in leisure activities. Exemption from the 1-meter rule. A maximum of 10 people at indoor events without fixed assigned seating, but up to 50 people at sports events gathering participants under 20 years old from the same municipality. Up to 100 people at indoor events where the audience is seated in fixed assigned seats. Up to 200 people at outdoor events, but 200 people times 3 cohorts if the audience is seated in fixed assigned seats. If children and youth train in another municipality, they can compete with that sports team as long as the infection situation allows. Children and youth under 20 years engaged in non-contact activities can participate in outdoor events gathering participants from the same district or region, depending on the geographical division. Adults are advised not to engage in organized indoor activities. Outdoor organized training is permitted for adults if it is possible to maintain good distancing. Phase 2: Children and youth under 20 years can participate in events gathering participants from the same municipality with up to 100 people (mainly children and youth) indoors. Events can be held with 200 people indoors if all are seated in fixed assigned seats. Adults should not engage in organized activities with more than 20 people indoors and outdoors. Outdoor activity is encouraged over indoor activity. Health authorities will propose a model for the reopening of amateur sports by mid-April. Phase 3: Children and youth under 20 years can participate in events both indoors and outdoors across municipal borders. The number of participants will be continuously assessed, including for adults. In amateur sports for adults, gradual reopening for league play and other competitions will be considered. Elite athletes can now engage in nearly normal sports activities. Phase 4: Many activities may return to near-normal, but there will still be participant limits for large public events and amateur sports and leisure activities, subject to ongoing assessment. See more on the government’s website, and see the full table of easing measures below. Government’s Plan for Gradual Reopening: Together Out of the Crisis Plan for Gradual Reopening