Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre hopes that people will take the third dose of vaccine and that Norway will not have to shut down before Christmas.
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– We know that the third dose will have a great effect, it works very quickly and can reduce some of the pressure on our hospitals, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
On Friday afternoon, he meets VG in front of the new vaccine bus at the Red Cross in central Oslo, together with Oslo City Councilor Raymond Johansen. The plan is for it to drive around districts and vaccinate those who, for various reasons, do not get to the doctor’s office.
Authorities around the world are preparing for one new variant of the coronavirus from South Africa, and on Friday the government introduced entry restrictions for travelers from eight African countries.
The new virus variant has not yet been detected in Norway, but the infection trend in the country is still rising.
– Can there be restrictions and measures that endanger Christmas parties and later Christmas parties?
– We can hope we can have an open society and a merry Christmas – we can have that, and we know that there is one thing that works when we are close to each other, like in a big city – it is a mouthpiece that applies. Then there is also vaccination – if we vaccinate ourselves, we protect ourselves and others, says Støre.
– What measures are you considering using to ensure that everyone who needs it takes the third dose?
– We must get a full mobilization in the municipalities so that they become as good as they were in the first and second dose. Then there were health stations that were well staffed with pensioners and students who facilitated.
– This third dose goes in the first instance to those over 65 years – they have the greatest need for it and the greatest effect – and all those who work in health care in the first line. But here we will move on, and the government is working to step up the third dose for everyone.
Also read: FHI recommends booster for those over 45
In other countries, there is a debate about introducing restrictions on workplaces for people who have not been vaccinated. What do you think about it?
– We have a responsibility to protect ourselves and protect others. Vaccine is the way to go. Then there are various reasons why people do not get vaccinated, but then there is a clear message that you should wear a face mask where you are close to people and should pay attention to others. But vaccines for those who can take it are a major measure to control the infection and not overload the health care system.
– What do you think about the type of measures that go against hard, as it has been discussed?
– I believe that volunteering and that you choose and take responsibility yourself is very important. Then the employer must organize the work so that people who are not protected with vaccines do not come into close contact with others in an unnecessary way. But now we must use all the tools we have to avoid a major shutdown – no one wants that, says Støre.
– It is about jobs and that we should have an open society, and I think it is entirely possible if we do what is right and necessary. There is one measure that trumps everyone, and that is vaccination.
– We are in the process of the third dose, and we will continue to work on that.
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