Social distance and physical contact
Updated
This content is archived and will not be updated.
Increased distance and fewer close contacts are two key measures to reduce transmission in the coronavirus pandemic. Increasing the distance between people and reducing the number of contacts reduces the risk of being infected by people who were unaware they were infected.
This page has been archived
Easing of national restrictions and changes in TISK strategy (testing, isolation, contact tracing, quarantine)
See the press releases from the Norwegian government 13.01.22 for more information:
- Government eases restrictions (regjeringen.no) - currently only in Norwegian
- Changes in TISK strategy (regjeringen.no) - currently only in Norwegian
The advice in this guidance that is affected by the changes will be updated as soon as possible.
Advice to everyone
Sick people should stay at home and have a low threshold to be tested
Remember good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
Contact-limiting measures
The risk of infection is lower outdoors than indoors. In general, it is also recommended to ensure good ventilation. In private homes, it is recommended to ventilate regularly or between the use by different groups. Ventilation does not replace other infection control tips.
Keep your distance
COVID-19 is transmitted mainly through droplet and contact infection. Increasing the distance between people reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Basically, everyone should keep their distance from others except those they live with. At least one metre distance is the main rule. Avoid physical contact, including handshake and hugging. Passing by someone gives little risk of transmission. In public spaces (for example in shops, restaurants, gyms, etc.) everyone should keep their distance from those they do not know.
Those who are protected do not have to keep their distance from others, if they know that they are not unprotected and in a risk group. You and those you live with can be together as usual. "Those you live with" also include romantic partners.
More about distance
Based on current knowledge, the NIPH considers that a distance of 1 metre provides a reduction in risk in most situations, but a distance of 1 metre does not rule out infection. In situations where people do not move around much, the risk is lower, for example in rooms with fixed seating. The risk of infection is lower if face-to-face contact is avoided. We therefore recommend that seats are given priority over standing places in situations of congestion in public transport.
COVID-19 transmits significantly less outdoors than indoors. We emphasize the importance of good ventilation and air exchange reduce the risk of infection.
Read more:
- ECDC (https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/covid-19-guidelines-non-pharmaceutical-interventions)
- UK/PHE (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/892043/S0484_Transmission_of_SARS-CoV-2_and_Mitigating_Measures.pdf)
- WHO (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/considerations-in-adjusting-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the-context-of-covid-19-interim-guidance)
- Inneklima og risiko for smitte av covid-19 - råd om ventilasjon_27102020.pdf (Norwegian)
Fewer contacts than usual
Having contact with many others increases the risk of being infected by people who did not know they were infected. We therefore recommend everyone to limit the number of physical contacts both in private settings, at events and at work, school and place of study. See Events, gatherings and activities
Smittestopp is an app from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH). It should help prevent coronavirus from spreading in society, and is completely voluntary to use.
- Read about Smittestopp (helsenorge.no)
Advice for everyday life
- Life during coronatimes (helsenorge.no)