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On Friday, the population woke up to another disappointing message of infection.
In the past 24 hours, 551 new infections were recorded in Norway, the highest number since January 13.
In Oslo, 231 new infections have been recorded, and since November 19 the number has not been as high.
Both Health Minister Bent Høie and Deputy Health Director Espen Rostrup Nakstad believe that some relief for a large part of the population may have made it easier for people to adhere to infection control rules.
– Possible signal effect
Health Deputy Director Espen Nakstad emphasizes that the infection is expected to increase as more young people have more contact.
NIPH believes that municipalities should consider measures
– Two weeks ago, there was a fairly large transition in many municipalities: from a strict infection regimen to a more normal “yellow level”, even in schools. At the same time, it opened up to most leisure activities, shopping malls and more social contact, Nakstad tells Dagbladet.
However, he believes this may have sent unfortunate signals to the population.
– This may have given a signal effect that infection control routines are not as important as they used to be, says Nakstad.
The Minister of Health and Sanitary Services, Bent Høie, also fears the same.
– We have had great relief in recent weeks at the national and local level for children and youth. This may have led many to also perceive that other measures have been relaxed, the Minister of Health tells NTB.
It highlights the importance of sticking to the other measures throughout the country, to avoid new austerity measures.
– Started before winter break
Dagbladet has asked the Ministry of Health and Sanitary Services if the authorities should have been more reticent to advice on travel during the winter holidays, given the infection situation.
Outbreak of infection in Tromsø
Secretary of State Saliba Andreas Korkunc responds that the increase in infection is not a direct result of this.
– The increase in cases started before winter break and is therefore not a direct result of this. If people comply with infection control rules and do not associate with other people, for example, on a cabin trip, this will not lead to an increase in infection. During winter break, schools are also closed, which can reduce infection among students in schools, Korkunc says.
The week before winter break, there was a test record in Oslo.
When asked if one is sure that the increase in infection is due to increased infection pressure and not increased testing, the Secretary of State responds as follows:
– It is good that many people test themselves, then you will also find more cases. The proportion of positive samples in Oslo, on the other hand, is cause for concern. The measures in Oslo and at the national level are continuously evaluated and will be adjusted if it turns out that the current measures are not sufficient. It is important that both large and small stores follow the advice for controlling distance and other infections.
– Sorry
In recent days, there has been a growing trend in several municipalities. Tromsø, Bodø, various municipalities of Agder, as well as Oslo and Bærum are among these.
Nakstad emphasizes that the incidence of mutated viruses has a lot to say.
– These are significantly more contagious and by themselves contribute to a higher level of infection.
Outbreak of infection at a construction site in Oslo
In NRK’s ”Nyhetsmorgen” on Friday, health director Bjørn Guldvog says the development of the infection is not surprising.
– Naturally, we are a bit sorry that it is happening now. But now newer variants of the virus have become more established; We think about a third of the infection is with the newer variants, he says.
Guldvog believes that it will be more difficult to reduce the infection in the future. Among other things, this may involve more intrusive measures, he says.
