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The new weekly report from the Stockholm Region shows 1,253 new cases of covid-19, 35 percent more than the previous week.
– The number continues to increase, but does not seem to be increasing at the same rate as in recent weeks. However, there is no reason to score and think that now we managed to turn this around. It may be a coincidence and rise again next week, so it’s important to keep holding on, says Maria Rotzén Östlund, PhD in infection control role in the Stockholm region.
In September, it has been seen both more cases of covid and higher levels of virus in wastewater from treatment plants in the Stockholm region. According to KTH, virus levels are approaching the same high levels as during the pandemic outbreak this spring. However, the healthcare situation in emergency hospitals is relatively calm. Currently, 34 covid patients are receiving hospital care, compared to 1,100 when pressure was at its highest in April.
– We see a small increase in attention, but far from what you imagine. Most people who try it now have mild symptoms. This spring we did not start our own sampling, so we do not know how many were infected at the time. It is possible that we had a further spread of the infection that we were not aware of, says Maria Rotzén Östlund.
Other factor what can come into play is immunity. Every sixth person in the analyzed region has antibodies against the virus, according to the report. Maria Rotzén Östlund believes, as does state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, that the increase is not the beginning of a second wave of viruses.
– I don’t really like the concept of the second wave. A second wave is well described for flu pandemics. During the Spanish flu, not only a second but also a third and fourth wave were observed. But this is a virus that no one has encountered before. We do not know how the virus behaves. There can be seasonal variations, such as flu that arrives in Sweden in the winter and cold viruses in the fall, he says.
Tuesday was careful four covid patients in the intensive care unit and according to the infection control doctor, they are well equipped for a major outbreak.
– All hospitals are working with relocation plans to be able to scale again. We also have crisis management plans, which we dive into when there is an additional burden on healthcare, but at this point it is completely under control.
She still wants to warn that it is still a serious situation and that infection control rules must continue to be adhered to.
– I think it is very serious that it is increasing. I am very concerned about you relaxing and gathering in large crowds and at parties where you are crowded. This is not the time to relax in any way, says Maria Rotzén Östlund.
Read more: Sewage shows virus is increasing dramatically in Stockholm
Read more: Tegnell: calling it a second wave is assimilating
