Infected wood on Heidrun oil rig – several dozen transported ashore – E24

This is confirmed by Equinor communications consultant Morten Eek to VG.

Those infected are not Equinor employees, but they work drilling on the rig.

A person who came ashore from the platform on Christmas Eve and had symptoms of covid-19 on Christmas Eve. The person was tested and tested positive on Christmas Day.

– Then we started testing everyone who had worked with this person, says Eek.

So far, two companions of the infected have tested positive, while one has tested negative. Five people are still waiting for the test result.

Fly a helicopter to the ground

Everyone who has been in contact with the infected must now fly to the ground by helicopter. Both those who are close contacts, and those who could also potentially have been infected.

Eek says the evacuation has started and will continue throughout the night. It says that we are talking about a few dozen people. A total of 167 people work on board the platform.

– A little more than 30 people so far are on their way ashore, says Eek.

How many can fly tonight depends on the weather, he says.

People will be greeted by the Kristiansund municipal chief, who will guide them further.

It will not affect the oil rig

Those infected are not Equinor employees, but work at a supplier that is engaged in drilling activities. They are responsible for drilling and therefore all drilling tasks on the rig have been completed.

– But oil and gas production will remain normal, says Eek.