New advice for Norwegians in risk groups: 1.6 million at risk
One in three Norwegians is at risk of contracting a serious illness and may die if infected by the Coronavirus. As a result, the health authorities are coming up with new advice to prevent infection.
The new advice has been prepared by the Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and is intended to help both those at risk and their relatives.
Those at risk are older than 65, especially those over 80, people with cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, impaired immune system, diabetes and cancer.
Smoking and obesity can also increase the risk.
1.6 million people
“A total of about 1.6 million people are in these groups,” said acting Assistant Director of Health, Espen Nakstad when the new advice was presented on Thursday.
The health authorities encourage, among other things, to cut down on physical visits and to call instead.
Høie: “Be careful”
“You must not visit anyone in the risk group if you have a cold, a fever or breathing difficulties,” said Minister of Health and Care, Bent Høie (H).
He pointed out that many people in the risk group think it will go well, but emphasized that it is important to be careful.
“We do not encourage total isolation but give clear advice on how they can travel in society in ways that pose little risk,” said Høie.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
