Two new corona infections on the Heidrun platform: a total of five confirmed infections – E24

Yesterday, three people on the Heidrun platform in the Norwegian Sea were confirmed infected with covid-19. The number of infections has risen to five people today and work is still being done to detect the infections.

This is confirmed by Natalia Krasilnikova, Equinor’s head of communications. Those infected are not Equinor employees, but they work drilling on the rig.

Krasilnikova says that the three who were confirmed infected yesterday are already on the ground. Due to difficult weather conditions, the people diagnosed today are still on the oil rig.

– These two are in good shape and quarantined in Heidrun according to the guidelines, says Krasilnikova.

As soon as time permits, these will be picked up by helicopter and transported ashore.

20 people in quarantine

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 has worked with this person,” Morten Eek, Equinor’s communications consultant, told VG yesterday.

Yesterday, just over 30 people, who had been in close contact with the infected, were taken ashore by helicopter. Around 20 more people are now in quarantine on the platform due to close contact with the infected, and these will be transported ashore as soon as possible.

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

Does not affect operation

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.

“Production is progressing as planned and is not affected by the outbreak,” says Krasilnikova.