18 September: Stronger measures will be considered

Les denne pressemeldingen på norsk.

The content of this press release may be out of date. See Advice and rules in Oslo for the measures that apply.

During the past twenty four hours, 68 new cases of Covid-19 have been registered in Oslo. The infection rates have remained stable, at around 100 new cases each week, in August and at the beginning of September. Last week the infection rate increased to 210 cases in one week. There were not more than 200 cases in any single week since April.

«The increase in infections is worrying, but it is important to emphasise that we have good control over the situation. The City of Oslo has good capacity for testing and good systems for tracing and isolating those who are infected. But we are completely dependent on everyone in Oslo understanding the seriousness of the situation, and doing what they can to reduce the infection rates», said Governing Mayor Raymond Johansen (Labour).

Oslo has free testing capacity, and the waiting time is one working day at the most. During the past week, the City has tested more than 10,000 people. On 17th September, 1,569 people were tested and the total capacity is for more than twice this number. If necessary, Oslo can increase the testing capacity further, to test 35,000 people in a week, which is five percent of the total population. On Monday Oslo will open a new testing station at the former fire-station at Bryn.

«Oslo’s testing capacity and the quality of tracing and tracking are good. At the same time, we are concerned about the increase in infection rates. It is worrying that the tracing and tracking cannot identify the sources for all those who are infected. This means that we all have to take extra care about where we go, who we are together with, and to keep the «one meter» distancing and use face masks in situations where it is adviesed and you have to use public transport. It is also important to get tested if you have symptoms, even if they are mild. This also applies for those who may have been tested earlier and got negative results, but now have similar symptoms», said the Vice Mayor for Health Services, Robert Steen (Labour).

The largest number of infections are among 20-29 year-olds. Comprehensive work for tracing and tracking is done in each case. The infection sources are mostly family and friends, or at work. About 30 % say that the sources of infection are unknown to them. There have also been small clusters of infections during the last weeks, including people in public, serviced housing.

Infection cases have also been reported among staff or pupils at 20 schools in Oslo. Seven of these are high schools (16-19 years) or adult education centres, while the rest of these are at primary or lower secondary schools. Infections and closed classes have been reported at three of Oslo’s kindergartens. The schools are starting online teaching for those classes who have to be in qurantene.

«The City Government (Byrådet) is continually assessing the need for stronger measures, to prevent further contagion. To protect those who are most vulnerable, we depend on everyone taking responsibility. We can now see that there are a lot of young people getting infected. Even though many of these don’t get seriously ill, they can still infect others who may be a lot worse, and even die. Those who work in the City’s primary health and care servics or in kindergartens can also get infected, which would lead to a much wider need for quarantening and reduced services for all residents. We are now completely dependent on everyone taking responsibility. If you have symptoms, even if they are mild: get tested and stay at home until you feel better», is Johansen’s clear advice.

Press contact

media@byr.oslo.kommune.no / +47 99 28 90 90 (not SMS)

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