The reproduction (R) number in Norway after 1 September 2020 increases to 1.26, according to the National Institute of Public Health (FHI). This means one corona patient infects 1.26 persons.
FHI director Bjørn Guldvog says they are concerned about the development. The new figures show that the national epidemic is increasing, FHI states.
-We are concerned about the situation in Oslo now, and hope that we can get control of the infection here, says health director Bjørn Guldvog .
The spread of infection is still at a relatively low level nationally, despite several major outbreaks in the country.
-The R number model estimates that there have been a total of 69,600–92,300 infected in Norway, the FHI report states.
Most cases in Oslo
Most cases were reported from Oslo (281 cases in week 38 compared to 222 cases in week 37).
Most people take responsibility. Thanks to these people, the Norwegian strategy has worked so far. Now Oslo is in the front line, and must do the job that is necessary for all of us, said Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie during the Wednesday’s press conference.
Five counties have had an increase in the number of infected people: Innlandet, Agder, Møre og Romsdal, Rogaland and Oslo.
May be stricter measures
It has been a week with again increasing infection rates in several places in Norway.
In Oslo, 55 new cases of infection were registered in the last 24 hours, figures from the municipality show. District Vestre Aker is now the only district where the infection is below 20 per 100,000 people.On Monday, the City of Oslo recommended people to wear face masks in all situations where they are unable to keep one meter away.
-If we do not get control of the infection in Oslo, we must consider far stricter measures. One of the measures we are looking is to make mask mandatory for all, said Oslo City Councilor Raymond Johansen.
From Tuesday, a ban has been introduced on gathering of more than ten people in private homes in Oslo.
