Mass vaccination in Longyearbyen after Easter
After Easter, Longyearbyen Hospital begins with mass vaccination of Longyearbyen's residents over the age of 45 and those aged 18-75 with underlying diseases (see list below).
Published 3/26/2021
Evacuates in Nybyen
Based on professional assessments from Skred AS and the weather forecasts, the Governor has decided to evacuate the buildings on the upper side of the road in Nybyen (see map). A residence and traffic ban will be introduced in the area. The evacuation must be completed by 08.00 on Saturday morning. The governor also introduces a ban on traffic and entry in an area on the upper side of the buildings in Lia. See maps on the link to the right.
Published 2/24/2021
Snowmobile driving in the area with ban on snowmobile traffic
The Governor reminds that only permanent residents on Svalbard are allowed to drive snowmobiles in the area with ban on snowmobile traffic until March 1, marked with green on map A.
Published 2/3/2021
Quick test is approved when traveling to Svalbard
The Governor of Svalbard and Longyearbyen local council have received information from national health authorities that the quick test for SARS-CoV-2 is approved as a covid-test for travellers to Svalbard.
Published 1/28/2021
Requires a negative corona test before travel to Svalbard
The government tightens the rules for entry to Svalbard. A negative result on the corona test taken within 24 hours before departure is required. The test must be completed on the mainland. All travel to Svalbard that is not considered as strictly necessary is discouraged.
Published 1/25/2021
Avoid all travel that is not strictly necessary
The Emergency Preparedness Council for Svalbard has today discussed the serious situation on the mainland regarding the recent outbreak of mutated coronavirus. No special measures are currently being introduced for Svalbard in addition to national guidelines and advice.
Published 1/24/2021
Follows the infection situation on the mainland
The infection control doctor at Longyearbyen hospital, Longyearbyen local council and the Governor of Svalbard are closely following the serious development in the infection situation on the mainland. - We call the emergency preparedness council for Svalbard to a meeting tomorrow to discuss possible local measures, says Governor Kjerstin Askholt.
Published 1/4/2021
Recommends the use of face masks
Due to increased infection on the mainland, the risk of infection also increases in Svalbard. The Longyearbyen local council, the Governor and Longyearbyen hospital therefore recommend the use of face masks in a number of places.
Published 12/17/2020
If you observe a polar bear in or near Longyearbyen
In collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute, Longyearbyen local council and the Arctic Safety Centre, the Governor has made warning cards with information about what to do if you observe a polar bear in or near the settlement.
Published 12/4/2020
Q&As from digital meeting 02/12/20
Q&As from Covid-19 digital meeting 19/11/20 is now available in English.