Norway's Success in Handling COVID-19 Pandemic: A Matter of Leader Trust

Norway's Success in Handling COVID-19 Pandemic: A Matter of Leader Trust

The Coronavirus Commission in Norway published the second part of its two-year investigation into the country's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic on April 26, 2022. The report, which does not include the management of the pandemic during the Omicron wave, has shed light on the specific factors that contributed to Norway's relatively successful management of the virus.

One of the key factors highlighted by the commission is Norway's strong public health infrastructure and registries. With high-quality, population-based health registries, Norway was able to reliably track COVID-19 cases and post-COVID conditions, facilitating targeted healthcare responses and resource allocation during the pandemic.

Balanced governmental control measures also played a significant role in Norway's success. The country implemented control policies that were effective in reducing excess mortality, often favouring less stringent but well-targeted measures such as recommendations and partial restrictions rather than strict mandates. This approach helped engage the community and empower individuals to protect themselves and vulnerable populations, which proved to be an effective public health strategy.

Norway's vaccination rollout was another critical factor in managing the pandemic's health impact. The commission found that prioritizing vaccination earlier in areas with high infection rates could have improved Norway's handling of the pandemic. As a result, the country was able to lower its excess mortality rates significantly.

Maintaining sufficient Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity was also crucial. Norway managed to cope with surges in COVID-19 cases without being overwhelmed, thanks to its well-prepared healthcare system. Community engagement and transparency were also key factors, with Norway's transparent communication and public trust helping maintain compliance with health guidelines and policies.

Targeted follow-up care for severe cases was also a significant factor. Recognising the increased healthcare needs for individuals with severe COVID-19, Norway focused on follow-up care, especially for those requiring intensive care, to manage potential long-term effects and new-onset diseases post-infection.

However, the report also pointed out some weaknesses in Norway's policy before the appearance of Omicron. The country was not well prepared to manage the pandemic when it arrived, as no emergency plan had been drawn up for a pandemic of this length in the country, and no simulation exercise had been carried out for a long time.

The rules related to the coronavirus changed 358 times in two years, making it difficult for local authorities, doctors, and law enforcement to keep up. Hospitals in Norway were not adequately prepared to handle the influx of intensive care patients during the pandemic, and the commission only examined actions taken up to October 31, which corresponds to the government of Erna Solberg, who left her post as Prime Minister in October 2021.

The Oslo region, in particular, lacked vaccine doses at one point, and the Norwegian government centralised most decisions related to pandemic management, even minor ones. Despite these shortcomings, the commission generally praised the fact that "the country's population and authorities handled the pandemic well."

Former Prime Minister Erna Solberg disagreed with the commission's criticism of the vaccination deployment strategy, defending the choice to prioritise at-risk individuals in areas with few contaminations rather than healthy individuals in cities with high virus spread.

As of April 26, 2022, Norway had recorded only 2,900 COVID-19-related deaths since February 2020, according to official data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The country was one of the first to lift almost all sanitary restrictions in February 2022, and it is perceived as one of the countries that has handled the pandemic best.

1. The commission commended Norway's focus on mental health, acknowledging that the government extended resources to promote and maintain mental well-being during the pandemic, especially for frontline healthcare workers.
2. The report also suggested that Norway could improve its approach to nutrition, particularly in the context of the pandemic. It recommended that the government should consider implementing measures to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet for the population, as good nutrition contributes to overall health and fitness.
3. Furthermore, the commission recognized the need for Norway to develop a comprehensive plan for fitness-and-exercise and science education, emphasizing that promoting physical activity and encouraging scientific literacy would help the nation respond effectively to future health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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