In recent weeks, the number of cases of corona has risen sharply in the UK.
– This can probably to a certain extent be explained, says assistant health director Espen Rostrup Nakstad to Dagbladet.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Sajid Javid said they fears up to 100,000 cases of infection daily, but despite this, the authorities would not introduce new measures.
It has created reactions.
– If we do not act soon, I fear that we will have a new Christmas in lockdown.
This is what the renowned immunologist Peter Openshaw said when he visited the radio program BBC Breakfast Saturday.
Openshaw works daily as a professor at Imperial College London, where he researches how the immune system defends itself against viral infections.
– If measures are postponed now, even stricter measures must be introduced later. An immediate response is absolutely crucial if one is to gain control, the professor continued.
Spreads corona reputation: – Coordinated efforts
Come with encouragement
He then urged listeners to take matters into their own hands, rather than waiting for the government to intervene.
Among other things, Openshaw advised people to avoid public transport, get vaccinated and accept an extra dose of vaccine if given the opportunity.
– The earlier we shop, the greater the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with our families, he said.
Assistant health director Espen Nakstad tells Dagbladet that the infection situation in Europe is strongly characterized by varying vaccine coverage.
– In the UK, despite high vaccine coverage, there are now very high daily registered infection rates. This can probably be explained to some extent by the fact that the effect of the virus vector vaccines (AstraZeneca, Janssen editor’s note) seems to be lost a little faster than the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer, Modern editor’s note), partly because it has been a long time coming. time since the first mass vaccination in the UK took place.
– In addition, there are still many unvaccinated people in the country who live close together and easily infect each other, Nakstad says.
Assistant health director, Espen Rostrup Nakstad, says we can have a challenging time ahead if we are unlucky. Reporter: Julie Tran. Video: Dagbladet TV.
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He says that the infection control advice and the use of face masks is probably more extensive in the UK than in Norway.
– But you still do not have good control of the situation. This is probably due to the fact that population immunity is simply not strong enough yet.
From Saturday to Sunday, 39,962 new cases of corona were registered in the UK and 72 deaths. Monday’s figures are not complete, following technical problems with the count in Wales.
Introduced travel bans
Ahead of the holidays in 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson tightened into the Christmas celebration across the country. The reason for this was the British fear of the delta variant of the coronavirus. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms had to close their doors. Home office requirements were also introduced for those who could, and all Britons were encouraged to stay at home.
In addition, a travel ban was introduced abroad, unless it was strictly necessary – and only three households could meet on the first day of Christmas.
– When the virus changes its attack, we must change our response. I see no other alternative, Johnson said at the time.
– The very last thing Boris Johnson wants to do
– The virus has changed the method of attack
Journalist for the Scandinavian supporters club of Manchester United, Bjarte Valen, lives in London.
He says that last year’s Christmas celebration was extra special.
– It tends to be a lot more social. Boxing Day (2nd Christmas Day, editor’s note) is the big day where a lot happens, but everything like that had to be put on hold.
Valen is pretty sure that the British will come up with new austerity measures, but still thinks they are a long way from a full lockdown.
AT MATCH: Journalist Bjarte Valen outside Old Trafford. Photo: Private
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– That is the very last thing Boris Johnson wants to do, but without me being a pandemic expert, you have to tighten something up, the journalist tells Dagbladet.
– Hope I can come home
The Norwegian nurse Ingrid Jahren Scudder lives and works in Bristol.
She tells Dagbladet that last year was characterized by long periods where you were at home, but does not remember Christmas specifically. Now she says that new cases of corona are constantly being discovered at the children’s school.
– There have been many cases lately, but at the same time an incredible number of tests are carried out, she says.
LIVING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: The Norwegian nurse Ingrid Jahren Scudder lives in Bristol, but hopes to be able to celebrate Christmas in Norway. Photo: Private
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– Do you think it will be a new Christmas in the British lockdown?
– Yes, I’m afraid. At the same time, it is important to have some ice in the stomach, so I hope that the infection numbers flatten out. There are many who are vaccinated, so I am optimistic and hope I can come home.
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