There are no longer any requirements for the public to be tested for suspected covid-19 infection.
But in recent weeks, the number of new cases within the framework of what Region Jämtland Härjedalen tests, i.e. staff and patients, has increased sharply.
- Of course we are worried, especially if it continues to rise.
We're seeing tendencies that maybe it's leveling off, but it's still a little too early to tell.
That's what Mattias Skielta says, assistant infectious disease doctor in Region Jämtland Härjedalen.
Events are believed to be behind
In the wake of events such as Storsjöyran and Västgård Game Fair, there has been a clear rise in the spread of infection.
Last week (week 31), the Region registered 286 positive test results for covid-19, which is more than doubling from the week before when 141 people tested positive.
- It mostly concerns people who have been infected with the omicron variant BA5, which is incredibly contagious.
You can probably interpret it as the rise during last week is connected to the events that were the weekend before, where a lot of people gathered in the same place.
You might even go there despite having symptoms, says Mattias Skielta.
Tough personnel situation in the county's municipalities
Several municipalities in the county bear witness to a very strained personnel situation, with high levels of sick leave, in healthcare and social care due to the spread of infection right now.
As it is holiday time, it is also extra difficult to find substitutes for sick staff.
- The rise has meant that there are a lot of infected staff right now, both out in the municipalities and here at the hospital.
Then there will be fewer care places and more difficult to receive patients.
An increase like this shows why it is so important not to go to various events if you have the slightest symptoms, says Mattias Skielta.