Covid testing of healthcare workers is removed

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Covid testing of healthcare workers is removed

Published: Just now

full screen The Norwegian Public Health Authority removes the recommendation that healthcare workers should test themselves for covid-19 if they have symptoms. Recently, it has been shown to have a marginal effect, according to Sara Byfors, head of department at the authority. Archive image. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The recommendation to test healthcare workers with symptoms for covid-19 will be removed on February 15, writes the Public Health Agency in a press release.

The recommendation was introduced a year ago and is aimed at employees in hospitals and nursing homes. That it is removed is due to the presence of various respiratory viruses, and that it is therefore safer to stay at home in case of symptoms.

“During the most recent period of high contagion of covid-19, we have seen that the testing of personnel has had a marginal effect in limiting the spread in these environments. There are also other respiratory viruses circulating that can cause severe illness for people who belong to a risk group,” says Sara Byfors, head of department at the authority, in the press release.

In sensitive environments, the authority recommends continuing to test patients and care recipients with symptoms that may be covid-19, both to be able to provide the right care and to limit the spread of infection. Testing can also be relevant for infection tracking.

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