The number of people infected with covid-19 is now increasing in Västerbotten. In Skellefteå and Umeå, planned surgeries are forced to be cancelled due to overcrowding.
"The hospital bed situation is under pressure with overcrowding in many wards. Illness and other short-term absences among staff further complicate the situation, says Elisabeth Karlsson in a press release.
Tougher measures are introduced
Previously, the region has introduced a ban on visitors to stop the spread of infection. Additional measures are now being introduced in the county's hospitals.
Among other things, they have chosen to drastically reduce planned care and certain medical procedures. Face masks will also be introduced again.
"During the pandemic, we have seen that face masks can prevent the spread of infection, especially if they are combined with other preventive measures at the same time," says Andreas Winroth, chief physician at Infection Control Unit.