Norwegians could return to normal life before summer 2021: Health Minister

 

OSLO, DEC 2020 - If the vaccination goes as planned, Norwegians will be able to get back to a more normal life by the summer, Minister of Health Bent Høie (H) noted.

There are now four vaccines under consideration in the EU. The first approval may come around New Year.

“1.2 million Norwegians can get the vaccine in the first period. 70% of everyone in the risk group and personnel who work with vulnerable groups,” Høie explained.

Then in the spring, the rest of the population will have access to the vaccine, he added.

“We expect good (vaccine) access during the first half of 2020,” he said.

Measures to be continued

“We will not get back to everyday life as soon as the vaccination is underway. There will be a need for infection control measures while the vaccination is in progress,” Høie said.

He added that things must be done in the right order.

“We must continue to keep our distance, keep our hands clean, stay at home when we are sick, and test ourselves for symptoms.”

The Minister of Health also said that Norway has the advantage of having a strong health and care service.

“Our municipalities are used to organizing vaccinations. But many in the municipalities are tired of dealing with the pandemic, and work with vaccination comes on top of this.

“Therefore, it is incredibly important to keep the infection down, even after Christmas, while we vaccinate,” he concluded.

------------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY NORWAY TODAY

---------------------------