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The infection trend in Skien municipality has been steadily increasing recently and 41 new infected people were registered in the municipality on Wednesday.
Several municipal services in Skien have been affected by outbreaks, both among employees and users.
– It has increased considerably. We have had a heavy load in recent weeks, municipal chief doctor Vegard Høgli tells Dagbladet.
He estimates that around 400 to 500 people are in quarantine in the municipality.
The municipality with a warning: – Fear
– Convert all the stones
Høgli describes the staffing of nursing homes and hospitals in Skien as “very challenging”. The burden on the health sector has recently come under considerable pressure.
– We are in a situation in which we turn all the stones to bring the necessary capacity, he says and continues:
– When major incidents occur that normal operation cannot handle, we have a contingency apparatus of which the county governor is a part, says Høgli.
The emergency services are now considering seeking help in other municipalities, he says.
– It may be, for example, accessing professionals and nurses from neighboring municipalities. We are now at a level where it is handled by the emergency response organization, he says.
Uncertain time in the meeting
The city superintendent is prepared for the first weeks of the new year to be challenging.
– It is uncertain with Christmas holidays, students coming home and if people manage to think about infection prevention when they meet others at Christmas, he says Høgli.
He says that much of the infection in the municipality occurs within the four walls of the house, and that many of those infected are close contacts.
– It is a particularly challenging time when many want to be together and celebrate Christmas, and we must be prepared for many to be affected by quarantine as close contacts or become infected, he says.
Most people take it seriously
In early November, a red level was introduced in all schools in the municipality.
A local order has also been introduced for the use of face masks in the store and on public transport.
NIPH: The situation in Norway is unstable
– I would say that many take into account the situation of the infection. When we presented the order for the sanitary napkins, we saw that people were very compliant. 90% take this seriously, says Høgli.
He will send a hello to everyone who gives a little extra in this challenging time.
– I have to send all my honor to all those who have an extra load in these times, and I really send them a virtual flower, because I see that there are many who do everything possible to provide services to the population, says the municipal superintendent.
