VG reported, translated from Norwegian: "We are now in a new phase where we must look at the coronavirus as one of several respiratory diseases with seasonal variation, says assistant director Geir Bukholm in FHI to VG."Newsweek contacted the NIPH for clarification over exactly what this means.
A representative for the health body said: "It is not correct that the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has claimed that 'COVID-19 is no more dangerous than ordinary flu.' This statement is probably a misinterpretation of this interview in [VG].