Why there is cause for optimism after Oslo’s two weeks of 'social isolation'
New cases of coronavirus in Oslo have increased, two weeks since restrictions termed a ‘social lockdown' were introduced. But there is some cause for optimism.
Although there is still an increasing trend of infections in the capital, the rate of growth has slowed compared to the weeks prior to the measures being introduced, newspaper VG reports.
The ‘social lockdown', introduced on November 10th, means the closure of a broad section of sports and culture facilities, assembly limitations, as well as a ban on serving alcohol at all times.
The last two weeks have seen 1,195 and 1,266 cases registered in the city, with the first of the two figures including Monday November 9th, the day before the social lockdown took effect.
Although this represents an increase, it is a smaller increase than that seen in the week prior to the lockdown: a 6 percent increase, significantly down from the 31 percent increase in the last week before the new restrictions.
It’s important to note that a lag of between 7 and 11 days between infection with Covid-19 and registration of a positive test, VG states. As such, it will take a while to see the full effects of the Oslo measures.
“I hope this could be a signal that perhaps we are behaving in a good way to prevent infection spread. Oslo’s residents should see it as a pat on the shoulder and recognition that ‘what I’m doing means something,” Robert Steen, a councillor from the city’s health directorate, told VG.
Steen also said it was “very early” to make conclusions and it was possible “we could get a record (for infections) again tomorrow.
The city registered 164 new cases of coronavirus in the last daily update, according to municipality figures, 12 fewer than the day before.
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Although there is still an increasing trend of infections in the capital, the rate of growth has slowed compared to the weeks prior to the measures being introduced, newspaper VG reports.
The ‘social lockdown', introduced on November 10th, means the closure of a broad section of sports and culture facilities, assembly limitations, as well as a ban on serving alcohol at all times.
The last two weeks have seen 1,195 and 1,266 cases registered in the city, with the first of the two figures including Monday November 9th, the day before the social lockdown took effect.
Although this represents an increase, it is a smaller increase than that seen in the week prior to the lockdown: a 6 percent increase, significantly down from the 31 percent increase in the last week before the new restrictions.
It’s important to note that a lag of between 7 and 11 days between infection with Covid-19 and registration of a positive test, VG states. As such, it will take a while to see the full effects of the Oslo measures.
“I hope this could be a signal that perhaps we are behaving in a good way to prevent infection spread. Oslo’s residents should see it as a pat on the shoulder and recognition that ‘what I’m doing means something,” Robert Steen, a councillor from the city’s health directorate, told VG.
Steen also said it was “very early” to make conclusions and it was possible “we could get a record (for infections) again tomorrow.
The city registered 164 new cases of coronavirus in the last daily update, according to municipality figures, 12 fewer than the day before.
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