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The number of covid-19 cases in the Stockholm region increased by 24.1 percent in one week, and the situation going forward remains grim.
It is also unclear how widespread the spread of mutated viruses is.
-But I have no reason to believe that here it would be different than in other regions, says infection control doctor Maria Rotzén Östlund.
The spread of infection in Stockholm County is increasing again and between weeks 5 and 6, the number of covid-19 cases increased by 24.1 percent.
Björn Eriksson, director of health and medical care in the Stockholm region, explained at a press conference on Wednesday that the situation is now very serious.
– We see the same pattern all the time: first the spread of infection increases and a couple of weeks later the need for medical attention increases. And when it increases, it goes fast.
In addition, he claimed that greater mobility in society and more people on public transport indicates that more and more stockholmers are not following the recommendations.
– It is more important now than ever that we avoid new social contacts. And that we avoid traveling as much as we can.
Photograph: Jonas Ekströmer / TT / TT NYHETSBYRÅN
Maria Rotzén Östlund.
“It worries me a lot”
The doctor responsible for infection control in the region, Maria Rotzén Östlund, is also very concerned about recent events.
-We saw an increase from the previous week and even if this week is not over yet, this time there will also be an increase. It is a trend break that worries me a lot, he says and continues:
– We are in a fragile and serious situation in which many may think that the vaccine is on the way, but we have not arrived yet. I understand that people are starting to get tired of running this race but we are not done yet, we have to continue a little longer.
“Without regional borders”
During the week, the Stockholm Region has begun sequencing the positive test results for COVID-19 more on a larger scale to get a better idea of how extensive the spread of mutated viruses is.
However, a response is not expected until the next few weeks.
– We receive reports from other regions that have randomly sampled and, although we do not yet have a general picture of Stockholm, I have no reason to believe that here it would be different from other regions.
– Probably these mutations have not been known by any regional border.
Photo: ROBIN LORENTZ-ALLARD
Björn Eriksson.
“Shadow everything”
When asked which places pose the highest risk of contributing to the spread of the infection, Maria Rotzén Östlund answered the following:
– What has happened throughout the pandemic is that it is mainly at home and in the workplace. That is what overshadows everything. This is where you have the closest contacts.
So you are not in the same spread of the infection that occurs in, for example, gyms, shops or public transport?
– No, there is nothing to indicate that, but we have also put restrictions there. But regardless, now it’s important to keep persevering
Varies week to week
When asked if there are specific areas where she sees that people are particularly affected, Maria Rotzén Östlund says it varies from week to week.
– It is also a bit about how much you try in the different areas, but right now we cannot see that there is any part that stands out, but it goes as they say up and down.
However, people of working age are the group that stands out the most among those infected.
– It is gratifying, however, that we have seen a sharp reduction in infections in the homes of older people, and this is mainly due to the fact that many of them are already vaccinated.
Photograph: Staffan Löwstedt / SvD
The intensive care staff at the Södertälje Hospital works with a covid patient. Note: Stock photography.
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