1 December: Omicron infection in the City of Oslo
Press release: The City of Oslo’s current efforts to manage the Omicron virus variant.
All infected persons and their close contacts in cases where the Omicron virus variant is suspected will now be treated as potential Omicron cases with respect to measures such as testing, isolation, contact tracing and quarantine.
“Laboratories will screen all test specimens that come in for the new virus variant. If the Omicron variant is suspected, the laboratory will send the specimen for sequencing. Each requisition will be labelled if the person has travelled abroad,” says Frode Hagen, senior physician for infection control.
Contact tracing is underway, but it may take some time due to the size of the outbreaks and the number of people who need to be followed up. There has been a large outbreak in one district of Oslo, with a strong suspicion of Omicron. We are in constant dialogue with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health about how to follow up this district. Further cases are expected.
“Individuals with suspected Omicron infections are being monitored by an infection team according to prevailing regulations. It is important to stay at home if you are ill and to take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms or if the City of Oslo asks you to take a test. You should also wear a face mask when using public transport or taxis, visiting shops and shopping centres and queuing up at testing stations,” says Hagen.
The most important thing is to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including the 3rd dose, if this is currently available to you.
“We are well underway with vaccines in Oslo, and we should have everyone over 65 vaccinated before Christmas,” he adds.
Contact
City of Oslo Agency for Health: kommunikasjon@hel.oslo.kommune.no
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