Several municipalities report a test offer that is about to collapse, and call for rapid tests to replace PCR testing. Solutions may be in place shortly, the Norwegian Directorate of Health writes to VG.
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Several Norwegian cities reports a huge influx of people who want PCR testing and that the test system can kneel. The main challenge that is highlighted is how much capacity is used to PCR test people who already have a positive rapid test.
Today, people who test positive for rapid tests must also take a PCR test in order for the National Institute of Public Health to get an overview of the spread of infection in the country.
The Norwegian Directorate of Health has now prepared a proposal for the government on how people can register positive self-tests without the need for a PCR test.
– We have prepared proposals for how those who need a confirmatory test can still get it, without the municipalities and laboratories being burdened too much. This will make it possible to meet the need also for further infection growth, writes assistant health director Espen Rostrup Nakstad in an e-mail to VG.
May come in a few days
Many municipalities already have systems where people can register positive self-tests. However, as these do not communicate with Helsenorge and MSIS (The national surveillance system for infectious diseases), FHI risks losing track of how many are infected.
Therefore, a national registration system must be in place, to ensure that all positive tests are included in the official infection figures.
– When can a national system for self-registration of corona tests be up and running?
– It is already up and running in many municipalities, but it is important that everyone has the opportunity to register a self-test that is positive. This can be put in place in quite a few days, but some adjustments must be made in collaboration with the municipalities, writes Nakstad.
On Thursday this week, Oslo Municipality sent a letter to the Norwegian Directorate of Health, where they reported on critical conditions in today’s test offer. In the letter, they call for an arrangement to be in place by Monday.
– Is it possible to get in place before Monday?
– We believe it is possible to put in place solutions that reduce the need for PCR tests in a short time, perhaps during the weekend, but it depends on which solutions we end up with, writes Nakstad.
In retrospect, Naktsad has specified that it will most likely take a little longer to put in place a system that can be used across the country.
– The most realistic is that it takes a few days to get a system in place that can be used in all municipalities, so it will probably be worked on this through the weekend and beyond next week, I think.
At the same time, he writes that the Norwegian Directorate of Health understands that the pressure on the municipal test capacity is great, and this is worked on every day.
– We most recently had a thorough meeting about this this afternoon with FHI and the state administrator.
Missing quick tests
In Oslo Municipality’s letter to the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the municipality also states that there is a great shortage of rapid tests, and that they need at least 1.3 million rapid tests in the weeks ahead.
– Can you assure Oslo that they will receive at least 1.3 million tests in the week ahead?
In the long run, we will send out at least 5 million quick tests every week to Norwegian municipalities, and they will be distributed according to need. How many tests Oslo receives will depend on consumption and any changes in test recommendations, writes Nakstad.
He adds that the municipality has enough tests for the current test regime, including school testing.
– But if the infection continues to increase as fast as now, many more tests will be needed. Therefore, the municipality will receive more and more tests in line with deliveries to Norway in the coming weeks, he writes.
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