Abstract
AimsThe aim of this study was to examine how the Norwegian general adult population was affected by non-pharmaceutical interventions during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. We assessed quarantine, symptoms, social distancing, home office/school, work status, social contact and health-care contact through digital access and knowledge.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed of 29,535 adults (aged 18–99) in Norway after six weeks of non-pharmaceutical interventions in March/April 2020.ResultsMost participants found the non-pharmaceutical interventions to be manageable, with 20% of all adults and 30% of those aged <30 regarding them as acceptable only to some or a limited degree. Sixteen per cent had been quarantined, 6% had experienced symptoms that could be linked to COVID-19 and 84% practiced social distancing. Eleven per cent reported changes in the use of health and social services. Three-quarters (75%) of those who had mental health or physiotherapy sessions at least monthly before the pandemic reported a reduction in their use of these services. A substantial reduction was also seen for home nursing, hospital services and dentists compared to usage before the non-pharmaceutical interventions. Immigrants were more likely to experience a reduction in follow-up from psychologists and physiotherapy. With regard to the use of general practitioners, the proportions reporting an increase and a reduction were relatively equal.Conclusions The non-pharmaceutical interventions were perceived as manageable by the majority of the adult general population in Norway at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A substantial proportion of adults <30 years old experienced difficulties with social distancing, and those >70 years old lacked the digital tools and knowledge. Further, immigrant access to health services needs monitoring and future attention.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020
6% reported suspected COVID-19 symptoms, 4% lived with people with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, 16% had been quarantined and 84% reported that they practiced social distancing (Table II)
People 70 years (OR=6.4; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 5.2–7.8)
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. In the absence of a vaccine for COVID-19, many countries have used non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to control the spread of the infection [1]. NPIs aim to reduce contact frequency among individuals, limiting transmission of the virus [1]. In the absence of vaccines and drugs, the NPIs in Norway comprised a mix between public orders and recommendations. Universities, all public and the majority of private businesses were ordered to close physically, and working from home was mandatory when possible. Services such as hairdressers, shops and activity arenas for sport and culture were ordered to close. The following NPIs were recommended: quarantine after travelling abroad, travel restrictions, restricted use of public areas and public transport and general social distancing, limiting social contact to those who lived in the same household. Maintaining a wellfunctioning health and welfare system is important during a pandemic such as COVID-19
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