The Delta variant could become dominant in Norway. The FHI isn’t worried
Today, the Delta coronavirus variant accounts for less than 1% of all infection cases in Norway. The fact that the corona variant can become dominant in the country does not worry the National Institute of Public Health (FHI).
As of June 15, there were 139 cases detected in Norway, all related to a few outbreaks with little spread.
“We do not know how the Delta variant will develop in Norway. The incidence is low, and it has not yet increased dramatically. And even if it should become dominant in Norway at the end of July, the vaccination program will advance considerably by then – so we will have good protection in the population,” infection control director Geir Bukholm at the FHI told the newspaper VG.
“Not too worried”
Delta is a variant of concern for the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) because it seems to affect people who have only received one vaccine dose. Figures from the UK indicate that a single dose of vaccine provides only 33% protection against this variant – but full protection after two.
At the same time, it seems that one dose protects against serious illness. If enough people are vaccinated, it will also prevent spread and lead to the Delta variant not infecting as many people.
“We are currently not too worried about the consequences of it taking over, even if it happens in July. At the end of July, most people over the age of 45 in the Norwegian population will be vaccinated,” he told the newspaper.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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