The Health Board has changed its mapping of close contacts due to the spread of omicron

Due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant of coronavirus, the Health Board has changed its strategy when conducting its epidemiological survey, and will instead focus on people with the identified delta strain of the virus as its priority. Others will be contacted on a sample basis. The remaining infected people who will not be contacted by the Health Board by telephone will receive behavioural instructions via text message and email.

According to Mari-Anne Härma, Health Board acting director-general, the Health Board will continue to identify possible infection hotspots and will map out the situation, but the main focus will be on limiting the spread of the delta strain, which if not contained will lead to a higher burden on the country’s hospitals. ‘We are putting the emphasis on limiting the most dangerous strain at the moment, and of course we will continue with counselling for children’s institutions, along with activities which target risk groups. It should be stressed here that isolation is a must for everyone who tests positive, including those who do not receive a call from the Health Board. Anyone who is infected can also inform their close contacts themselves, who will then have to monitor their own health and plan their activities so that any spread of the virus can be avoided,’ he added.

An increase in infections has been observed in all Health Board regions, with cases in businesses and schools being particularly striking. The virus is widespread, and the days ahead will bring with them new record levels of infections.

During the forthcoming days, the Health Board will discuss how to cope with the increasing burden in terms of primary care, which will be accompanied by discussions on the best order of priority when it comes to phasing out widespread PCR testing. According to the Health Board, this can only be done in a way which ensures that all of those who are infected remain aware of their infection, and that they can monitor their health and plan their behaviour. What also needs to be maintained, in collaboration with partner organisations, is a reliable understanding of the spread of infection in order to be able to plan for health system capacity levels.