Norway has announced the easing of some Covid-19 restrictions but delayed the final phase of reopening the economy until the end of this month because of concerns about the Delta coronavirus variant, Reuters reports.

Measures that will remain include bars and restaurants being limited to table service, limits of 20 people on gatherings in private homes, and restrictions on adult recreational sports.

The World Health Organisation has said the Delta strain was becoming the globally dominant variant of Covid-19, raising concerns about whether existing vaccines will work against it.