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This is stated in the latest weekly report from the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH).
Last week, 2,900 cases were recorded, an increase of 7% over week 50. At the same time, there was an increase in the number of people tested by 22% and the proportion of positives among those tested decreased from 2.3 % to 2%.
Oslo (with 619 cases) and Viken (with 1,086 cases) account for 59 percent of the cases registered in week 51.
– There is a need for continued and strong efforts to reduce the spread of the infection, and it is important that municipalities across the country remain well prepared to quickly detect and control outbreaks at the local level, writes FHI in the report.
Details of the new vaccine
Significant increase in these counties
Since week 50, there has been a decrease in the cases recorded in both Oslo and Viken. However, FHI notes that local outbreaks have led to an increase in the number of cases recorded in seven counties last week.
– There has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases in Inland, Vestfold and Telemark and Trøndelag in recent weeks, writes FHI.
In week 51, 12 deaths have been reported.
– This is almost a reduction in half compared to the previous four weeks, but it is too early to tell if it is a real decrease, as later records of deaths may occur, writes FHI.
The mutation is not yet seen in Norway
Last week, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the UK was also announced, which has several different mutations. The variant is said to be 70 percent more contagious.
On Monday, Norway suspended all direct flights and strictly restricted travelers from the country. On Wednesday, the government continued with the measures until the second day of Christmas inclusive.
– We want more time to gain more knowledge about the virus variant and to prevent the spread in Norway. If this variant of the virus does not exist in the country, there will be significant health benefits if it is excluded, Health and Care Services Minister Bent Høie (H) said in a press release.
– So far we have not seen this variant in Norway, writes FHI in the weekly report.
