State statistics bureau SSB (Statistics Norway) has confirmed predictions of a rebound in the Norwegian economy as soon as Corona regulations eased. By June, the mainland economy (excluding offshore oil) was back to its same levels from before the pandemic began.
SSB reported 1.4 percent growth in the second quarter, with 0.7 percent growth in June alone. By that time, restaurants and hotels were reopening and public gatherings began to be allowed once again.
The growth was somewhat less than analysts had predicted but there’s little doubt things are getting back to normal. SSB tied the economic growth to lower levels of infection in June, ever-rising vaccination levels and relief from the most onerous closures and other measures aimed at halting the spread of infection.
There’s been some concern this week that figures may slip again, following a post-summer holidays increase in infection. The numbers of new cases, most of them tied to the Delta strain, are higher than they’ve been since last winter and even the heir to Norway’s throne, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now in isolation after testing positive to the Corona virus.
newsinenglish.no staff
