No Way Norway. All Norwegian World Cup Races Cancelled

Due to new Covid-19 government restrictions announced today by the Norwegian government that the Norwegian Ski Association will be unable to host any further competitions through the end of current World Cup season, due to the stricter travel and event-related restrictions.

A government press release stated“To limit the risk of transmitting the significantly more contagious variant of the coronavirus, the Government is imposing far stricter rules on foreign nationals who seek entry to Norway, In general, only foreign nationals who reside in Norway will be permitted to enter.”

Under the guidelines, foreign athletes and team staff do not qualify for an exemption to enter Norway.

“We have continually tightened and eased restrictions as warranted by the changing infection situation. With the more contagious variant of the coronavirus now spreading, we find it necessary to introduce the most severe entry restrictions we have had since March of last year. We must limit the number of visitors to Norway as much as possible for a limited period. I understand that the consequences will be significant for many people, but curtailing the risk of importing the infection makes this action necessary,” said Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

“We have seen other countries go from low infection rates to uncontrolled spread in just a few weeks, as in Ireland. For children and young people and for workplaces and society in general, the ramifications of having to shut down again for a long period are considerable. Thanks to our shared efforts after Christmas, the degree of contagion in Norway has generally decreased, giving us an edge as we take on this new variant of the virus. Having borders that are practically closed will help us to maintain this advantage,” said Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie.

“The new restrictions are quite exacting, and the Government will reassess them in two weeks. We want to cooperate productively with the employer and employee organisations to find workable solutions within the bounds of a strict regime, and to be able to adjust measures if necessary,” Minister of Justice and Public Security Monica Mæland said.

As a result, the following FIS World Cup events are cancelled

• FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals; 12-14 March 2021; Oslo
• FIS Raw Air Ski Jumping Tournament; 12-21 March; Lillehammer, Trondheim, Vikersund
• FIS Nordic Combined World Cup; 11-14 March; Oslo
• Audi FIS Alpine Men's World Cup; 4-7 March; Kvitfjell

FIS will announce if there are any replacement venues and dates as they are confirme