FHI publishes new omicron report: “The situation is serious, stronger measures are necessary”

The omicron variant can create a significant disease wave in December and January, the National Institute of Public Health (FH) warns in a new risk assessment.

“We expect that the number of people infected with this variant will increase rapidly in the coming weeks. This, together with the increased burden on the health service, means that we now consider the situation serious,” department director Line Vold at the FHI noted.

In its updated risk assessment, the FUHI writes that it believes that the omicron variant is likely to significantly worsen the existing disease burden and the pressure on the Norwegian health services. 

Disease wave

The variant will lead to a “significant disease wave” during December and January.

“The variant will probably establish itself in Norway and, in a few weeks, become dominant. However, there is great uncertainty. Therefore, it is necessary to have stronger measures (in place) to maintain control,” Vold said.

The FHI believes that it is unlikely that the omicron variant causes a more serious disease course in vaccinated people. However, it thinks the variant is more contagious and will become dominant in Norway by January 2022. 

In the report, the FHI also expresses concern that there may be an unusually strong flu epidemic at the end of December or in January. But according to the institute, it is increasingly likely that the flu epidemic will also be much smaller than normal this winter as a result of more and more measures against the COVID-19 epidemic.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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