- Last week we had about 40 positive cases, now it is 80. We see a similar picture throughout Sweden, says Per-Åke Jarnheimer, infection control doctor in Region Kalmar.

But the dark figure is large, because the only ones who test themselves regularly via the region are healthcare staff, care recipients and patients.

Even though the new covid variants are milder, the infection control doctor is still worried about the summer.

- If there are many more infected, there will be more in the hospitals.

And now there are many in the staff who are going on holiday, says Per-Åke Jarnheimer.

Stay home if you are sick

The increased level of covid-19 is also noticeable on samples in Kalmar municipality's wastewater.

It is a new variant of covid, omikron BA5, which is increasing.

- It is good at infecting those who have recently had covid.

But you do not get seriously ill from omicron BA5 if you are vaccinated, says Per-Åke Jarnheimer.  

Even though covid-19 is no longer classified as a general dangerous disease, the message from the infection control doctor is clear.

- As long as you are ill, you should not meet others.

Think about whether you should meet someone who belongs to a risk group.

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More people are infected by the new Omikron variant BA5.

Start the clip to hear Magnus Gisslén explain what the increase in the new variant is due to.

Photo: Alva Karlsson / SVT