(Credit: Erik Berg)

The government of Norway has announced new restrictive measures in a bid to prevent the large incoming Omicron wave in January 2022.

Per the warning of health officials, the country could face up to 300,000 daily COVID-19 cases if no swift and decisive measures are taken to curb the spread of a new and highly aggressive Omicron variant.

“The situation is serious. The spread of infection is too high and we have to take action to limit this development,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Per the official government statement, a maximum of 50 people are allowed at indoor events with fixed allocation of seats. The decision will affect Den Norske Opera and other cultural institutions in Norway, effectively allowing only up to 50 spectators per performance.

Den Norske Opera reacted by canceling the performance of Offenbach’s “Orphée aux enfers” on Dec. 16, and all subsequent presentations through Dec. 31, 2021.

Additionally, the government has strongly urged all citizens to avoid public transport and to work from home. The measures will come into effect on Dec. 15, 2021, and are set to last for four weeks initially.