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.
Published 11/30/2020
Helicopter inspections of glaciers
During October the Governor has flown inspections by helicopter to observe areas trafficated during winter. In general, some glaciers seem to "detach" from the mountain sides, and wide and longitudinal cracks are formed. Climatic processes and steepening due to melt might be some of the reasons to this.
Published 11/25/2020
Q&A from Covid-19 digital meeting 19/11/20
Q&As from Covid-19 digital meeting 19/11/20 is now available in English on our website.
Published 11/17/2020
Digital public meeting about the corona situation in Svalbard
Longyearbyen Community Council, the Governor of Svalbard and Longyearbyen hospital invite the people of Svalbard to a digital meeting about the corona situation in Svalbard Thursday 19 November at 17:00 on Facebook Live.