Since the borders closed with Sweden last month and testing-requirements for Swedish commuting health personnel were tightened, Norwegian hospitals have faced issues due to understaffing, broadcaster TV2 reports.
Instead of being able to go straight to work after a negative Covid-test, the new requirements demand commuting health personnel to quarantine for three days before getting tested.
Oslo University Hospital (OUS) raised the alarm after revealing they were unable to cover 330 shifts last week due to a lack of specialist nurses. The A&E department was the hardest hit, where 203 shifts were supposed to be covered by Danish and Swedish staff.
Since the requirement for testing was introduced in July, Oslo University Hospital has tested more than 3,000 commuting staffers. Of these, only five tested positive for coronavirus according to TV2.
Understaffing means the hospitals now have to postpone scheduled surgeries. Children at the intensive care unit awaiting surgery will be most affected, because many Swedish and Danish specialists work there.
Currently there is no indication from the Norwegian Government that restrictions regarding quarantine for critical health personnel will be changed anytime soon.
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