BUSY: Oslo is about to reopen. Here from Karl Johan on Saturday morning. Photo: Jil Yngland, VG
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Espen Nakstad says he has noticed that more people now stop using face masks in shops and public transport. – Surprising and not particularly wise, he says.
The assistant director of health emphasizes that the infection control councils are still the same in Oslo: People must keep at least one meter away and use face masks where there is congestion.
– Today we see very clearly that many in Oslo have stopped using bandages in shops and on public transport. It is surprising and not particularly wise in a city that still has a lot of infection among younger and unvaccinated age groups, Nakstad tells NTB.
He says the infection control councils are important in limiting the spread of infection in the reopening.
– It does not really bode well for the further reopening in Oslo if more and more residents drop the infection control routines at the same time as they meet more and more people, says Nakstad, and reminds that it is still eight weeks until everyone has received the first vaccine dose.
More important than before
– Actually, it is more important to follow the infection control advice now than before, since the reopening entails quite a lot more contact between people. then it is important to do what you can as an individual to keep the infection down until more people have been vaccinated, says Nakstad.
Nakstad believes there are two reasons why more and more people, in his view, are taking infection control more lightly.
—-FUNG. ASS .: Assistant health director Espen Nakstad warns against taking the infection control councils too lightly now. Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
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– It is hot outside and uncomfortable to wear a face mask on buses and subways. In addition, many people probably interpret the reopening in Oslo as a signal that it is now ok to lower your shoulders. I think neither Oslo nor the national authorities think so, but it is of course a pedagogical challenge to get people to keep the focus on infection control, says Nakstad.
Just reopened
Oslo reopened earlier this week after being partially closed for more than six months. This weekend is the first with open restaurants and alcohol serving so far in the reopening.
—-BY THE WATER: The inhabitants of the capital move to the sea and water and enjoy the heat. Here from Lekteren restaurant at Aker Brygge on Saturday. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB
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On Saturday, several people were out enjoying the nice weather in the capital, both in parks and at outdoor cafes.
At the same time, Norway has entered stage two of the national reopening. The health authorities have warned that it will lead to increased infection in the future.
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