OUTBREAK: Askøy near Bergen has been hit by a major corona outbreak. Photo: Terje Bringedal
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26 new cases of infection were detected on Saturday on Askøy outside Bergen: “Stay at home, large spread of infection” writes the municipality.
Just updated
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Municipal chief physician Kristin Cotta Schønberg expects more positive test results. She points out that mutated viruses spread faster.
– We see that now, Schønberg writes in a press release from Askøy municipality.
Several of the infections are connected to a prayer house on the island.
The chairman of the board of Askøy Missionary Assembly does not have an overview of how many cases are connected to the eruption around Kleppe prayer house on Askøy.
– But it’s a lot. It’s awful and cruel. I am very sorry that there has been a spread of infection to our house, says Bård Hauge to VG.
He is himself corona infected and in complete isolation.
– We immediately suspended all activities, when the infection was discovered. We have not broken any laws or regulations, assures the chairman of the mission meeting.
The municipal chief emphasizes that not all cases of infection are associated with the prayer house environment.
Mayor of Askøy Siv Høgtun emphasizes that the municipality has already introduced strict measures, but that the infection situation is serious. She encourages everyone to stay home.
– I want to ask everyone to limit social interaction. How each of us performs this weekend, and the coming weeks, will be crucial, says Mayor Høgtun.
She points out that the virus spreads faster than the virus variant the inhabitants already know, and emphasizes that the main rule is to meet as few people as possible.
– I know that this is difficult for many, but it is still possible to meet others outdoors, if you keep your distance, says mayor Siv Høgtun.
A total of 322 people have been infected on Askøy since the pandemic came a year ago.
The mayor encourages residents not to call the corona phone and emergency services unless they have symptoms or need medical attention.
– The infection tracking team does a fantastic job. Now it is important that they get to prioritize the infection tracking work, says the mayor.
Therefore, she encourages residents to search for information on the municipality’s website.
See VG’s overview of which measures apply in Askøy municipality her.
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