Norwegian migration authority rang the alarm on infection risk at asylum reception centers in March

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) asked the Norwegian Directorate of Health for assistance already on March 26 in order to minimize the risk of asylum reception centers becoming epicenters for the spread of infection.

In a letter at the time, the UDI pointed out that there is a shortage of space at the asylum reception centers because many reception centers have been closed. 

The UDI expressed concern that the asylum reception centers would become epicenters for the spread of infection, TV 2 reports.

Nevertheless, 43 people connected to the asylum reception center in Vinstra were diagnosed with corona infection on Saturday. 

At the same time, it became known that people who have tested negative have had to sleep in rooms with people who were infected.

Not a priority

In its letter, the Directorate noted that reception staff has a socially critical function and should get testing priority. 

However, asylum reception centers are still not a priority when it comes to testing. 

Residents and employees there are thus covered by the same rules as other inhabitants.

Section chief Knut Henrik Berntsen at the UDI did not want to criticize the health authorities. However, he characterizes the situation in Vinstra as demanding. 

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today