PARTY: The mild summer weather lured many to Sofienbergparken in the Grünerløkka district on Saturday night. Photo: VG-tipser
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Several thousand people gathered in large parties in Oslo’s parks on Sunday night. FHI now says that it is important that people still keep their distance from each other.
The first summer weekend in Oslo with open cranes lured Oslo citizens outdoors. Night to Sunday, the police reported in Oslo about 3000 people gathered at St. Hanshaugen and in Frognerparken. Several times during the night, they had to rush out to party noises from both parks and in private homes.
– There is very little focus on infection control, said operations manager Gjermund Stokkli to VG on Sunday morning.
Pictures from several of the parks show people standing close together without bandages.
Department Director Line Vold at the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is clear that the pandemic is not over, even though the reopening is underway:
– We still have infection in society. The general advice and rules for keeping your distance, and limiting the number of social contacts, still apply. In addition, advice and rules on oral bandage use are designed to reduce the risk of infection spreading and outbreaks.
—-DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR: Line Vold at the National Institute of Public Health. Photo: Frode Hansen
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Can also be infected outdoors
As a general rule, it takes more to get infected when you are outdoors than indoors.
According to Vold, from an infection control professional point of view, “of course it is also wise to move out as much activity as possible”.
But the risk of infection is still present, even though NIPH has received “reports of little infection outdoors”.
– What we have been reported is infection after being together on terraces where there may be a risk of sitting closer than recommended, says Vold.
She adds:
– It is therefore important that we all continue to remember the infection control rules so that we reduce the risk of infection spreading and outbreaks, both outside and inside. The most important thing is to keep your distance.
This is how the infection has developed in Oslo:
– Do not think we can handle a new lockdown
Mayor Marianne Borgen (SV) in Oslo tells VG that she understands that people seek out parks and the fjord during a hot weekend like this.
– Remember: Most of us do not have cabins, our own gardens or large porches. We need to get together and meet again, but we must take care and pay attention, says the mayor.
Nevertheless, she is clear that the people of Oslo must hold back a bit and put life and health before their own sun and party needs.
Borgen believes it is “worrying” that there have been so many reports that people do not comply with infection control “well enough”.
– Because we must not completely relax now, there is still a pandemic in Oslo, even though we are gradually opening up. Then we have to make sure that we get a new increase in infection again, because I do not think we can handle a new lockdown now.
—-MAYOR: Marianne Borgen (SV) in Oslo. Photo: Tore Kristiansen
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Follows the development of infection
The infection trend in Norway is currently flat and declining in Oslo, according to the overview of VG.
Violence in FHI also understands that people now want to get out and enjoy the nice weather.
– It is nice to see that people enjoy themselves and enjoy the summer weather – whether it is in a park, by or on the sea or elsewhere. We need it after a challenging time.
But: “Of course, the National Institute of Public Health closely monitors the infection situation,” says Vold.
– And constantly compares the number of infected with the number of hospital admissions. The number admitted to hospital is an important indicator of disease burden, even now when more people are vaccinated.
The number of hospital admissions (76) is also declining and has not been lower since mid-February 18.
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