Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

People to receive second Covid-19 vaccine earlier

The NIPH has reported that it expects municipalities to be able to offer a large number of second doses to residents two weeks earlier than anticipated. 

The reason for this is that Norway is set to reach its target of offering everybody over the age of 18 their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine earlier than planned. 

By next week it is expected that everyone currently eligible for the first jab will have been offered one, meaning that municipalities can begin their plans to inoculate large amounts of people with their second dose from August 9th. 

It was previously expected that this milestone wouldn’t have been possible until August 23rd at the earliest. 

Young people driving the coronavirus epidemic in Norway 

Young adults have become the dominant group in infection statistics and are now driving the Covid-19 epidemic in Norway, according to Espen Nakstad, assistant director of the Norwegian Directorate of Health. 

This is due to them having more social contact than other age groups and being less likely to have received a vaccine yet. 

READ ALSO: Why experts in Norway aren't worried about the Delta Covid variant being dominant

Last week those aged between 20 and 29 accounted for more than a third of all registered coronavirus infections in Norway. Previously those aged between 10 and 19 made up the bulk of those testing positive for Covid-19.

“It is mainly young people who become infected. It comes from their contact pattern, and that they are among the last group to be vaccinated,” Nakstad told VG. 

Weather warning for heavy rain issued

An orange warning has been issued for torrential rain in the coastal areas of the Oslo Fjord on Thursday morning. 

Heavy rain in the area could potentially lead to flooding and landslides in the area. 

The weather alert also warns of difficult driving conditions and significant risks of aquaplaning. 

The weather will begin to make its way north. 

353 new cases of Covid infection in Norway

On Wednesday, 353 new coronavirus infections were recorded in Norway. 

This is a rise of 126 cases compared to the seven day average of 227. This is also the highest number of cases in a single day since June 3rd. 

READ ALSO: Norway postpones full easing of Covid-19 measures for the second time

32 municipalities in Norway are now reporting a rising infection trend. 

In Oslo, 37 new Covid-19 cases were registered. This is two less than the day before for the Norwegian capital. 

Total number of Covid-19 cases in Norway. Source: NIPH