Greeting from the mayor of Stavanger

Dear expats of Stavanger, dear fellow citizens. My name is Kari Nessa Nordtun, and I am mayor of Stavanger.

These are difficult times, as the corona pandemic continues to take its toll all over the world.
It’s been almost two weeks since our country went into lock-down, and life as we know it was put on hold. This week we learned that the measures implemented to curb the spreading of the corona virus will continue through 13 April, and so this new, silent life continues as we isolate ourselves to protect the lives of others.

The measures implemented by the government impose great temporary changes to the way we live our lives, and the feeling of having our freedom taken away from us is something that weighs heavily upon us all.
It feels strange not being able to shake hands, hug, go to work, see our friends and socialize like we are used to, and I know that for expats, these times can be particularly tough. Isolation from friends and family, language barriers and job uncertainty adds to the situation, and I hope you find ways to keep busy and stay social – even if only online.

In Stavanger we are working tirelessly to secure the life and health of our citizens, as well as our jobs and economy. This situation is new to all of us, and we welcome your thoughts on how to help you in the best way possible.
All over the globe, people work to help neighbours, friends and colleagues as their communities suffer through the corona pandemic. Here in Stavanger, people flock to volunteer for a variety of tasks, and the kindness that is witnessed every day among the people of our city is truly heart-warming. A big thank you to all of you who devote so much of your time to helping others, cooking and delivering food, shopping, fetching medicines and answering questions.

We don’t know when this will be over, but we do know that it will. Meanwhile, we must all do what’s in our power to contain the spread of the virus. Keep our heads cool, our hearts warm, and stand together – even at a distance.
Amidst all of it, there is something quite beautiful too, in seeing how we need each other, and miss each other when kept apart. An important reminder to take with us when this is over. I hope you are well, and have people in your community to care for you and help you with whatever need you may have. Take care everyone and stay safe. Be seeing you in the streets of Stavanger when we are safely on the other side. <3

Sincerely,
Kari Nessa Nordtun