Ex-pat caught in Norway’s lockdown
An East Kilbride ex-pat fears‘cabin fever’may set in as her family are trapped in Norway’s coronavirus lockdown.
Linda Kerr, 47, said it is‘the calm before the storm’as she faces weeks of isolation.
The country‘shut down’in a desperate bid to stop the rapid spread of the COVID-19 disease.
Strict guidelines mean all schools, nurseries, and universities have closed along with pubs and restaurants.
Linda and partner Gary, 45, moved from East Kilbride to Stavanger four years ago with their 16-year-old twins Craig and Shannon for work opportunities.
Now the worried family are facing weeks of isolation but are anxious it could be dragged out even longer.
Linda said:“Today is our first official full day so not really experiencing cabin fever yet, but who can tell how it will feel after a few days or weeks.
“At the moment they are saying two weeks initially but things can change quickly.You are in isolation and not allowed out if you have the virus, show signs of the virus, or have been in contact with anyone who has been.
“Hospitals are closed apart from emergencies so you can’t visit anyone in hospital or care homes but public transport is still running.”
The twins are being forced to attend school online as they can’t make class out of fear of infection.
The family can pick up emergency groceries at supermarkets but must stay at least one metre away from other shoppers.
It comes after more than 1200 people have been infected in the country according to Norwegian reports. Anyone who has travelled outside the Nordic countries since February 27 is being told they should be home quarantined for 14 days.