30 November: The City of Oslo raises its level of preparedness
“Due to the new virus variant, Omicron, we have decided to raise our level of preparedness to level 3, which is the highest level,” says the Governing Mayor of Oslo, Raymond Johansen (Ap).
Increased preparedness will again require a central crisis management team for the City of Oslo to ensure the efficient communication of information, a shared understanding of the situation and coordinated efforts.
More than 87 per cent of Oslo’s population over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated and 90 per cent have received at least one dose. Nearly 60 per cent of Oslo’s residents over the age of 65 have received their third dose. The City Council hopes to begin its rollout of third doses for the 45 to 65 age group before Christmas.
“Because of the excellent vaccine coverage, the current situation in Oslo is entirely different from earlier in the pandemic. Now we can keep society open while also maintaining control over the situation. But let there be no doubt: the City of Oslo is taking this situation very seriously. We have recently implemented a number of different measures,” says the Governing Mayor of Oslo, Raymond Johansen (Ap).
On 24 November, Oslo City Council introduced new COVID-19 recommendations and enhanced measures. The Governing Mayor is again asking Oslo’s residents to wear face masks when using public transport and taxis and when visiting shops and shopping centres.
Mass testing in Oslo schools will be initiated for pupils in Years 5 through 10. Expanded mass testing is under consideration in addition to more intensified vaccination efforts and testing capacity.
“We will now be monitoring the use of face masks and, if recommendations are not enough, we may consider issuing an order. The situation may change and may do so suddenly. Previous mutations have changed the rules of the game. If there is anything this pandemic has taught us, it’s that,” Johansen concludes.
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