Omikron has reached Norway. The variant has been confirmed in an outbreak in connection with a Christmas party in Oslo where between 50 and 60 people have been confirmed infected, writes the Norwegian Excellent. The infected person is said to have had mild symptoms.

The guests at the Christmas table were reportedly fully vaccinated and were asked to test themselves in advance, something the Norwegian Institute of Public Health believes shows that omicron has a great potential for spread.

Due to the delta variant, the pressure on the country's healthcare system is already high, which worries experts.

”"The combination of these factors increases the risk that further spread of omicron could now quickly lead to overload in healthcare, even though the virus may not increase the severity of the disease. The outbreak of omicron in Norway is therefore considered serious,", writes the Norwegian Directorate of Health, corresponding to the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden.

Due to the infection, the Norwegian government is now tightening measures against corona.

These include regional measures for Oslo, Asker, Bærum, Grue Kongsvinger, Nord-Odal, Sør-Odal and Gjerdrum. There, face masks must be worn when a distance of one meter cannot be maintained, working from home is recommended and a maximum limit of 100 people for private events is introduced. Requirements for table service at catering establishments are being reintroduced in these regions.

The country also tightens entry rules and starting Friday, everyone crossing the Norwegian border is required to test themselves for COVID-19 within 24 hours.

In national advice, the government is urging adults to keep their distance and avoid hugging and shaking hands. Adults are also being asked to consider whether they can reduce the number of close contacts and workplaces across the country are being advised to facilitate working from home where possible.

Source: svt.se