If confirmed as Omicron, the cases would constitute the biggest outbreak of the variant in the world
Up to 60 people could have been infected with the Omicron coronavirus variant after going to a work Christmas Party in Norway.
Staff at renewable energy company Scatec attended a Christmas party in Oslo on November 26 – but that might have ruined Christmas for them.
Norwegian media suggests that 50 people have since tested positive after taking PCR tests, while another 10 have tested positive using lateral flow tests. Those who have taken a lateral flow have been asked to undergo a PCR test for confirmation.
Reports say that some staff had recently returned from offices in South Africa where it is believed that Omicron originated.
If confirmed as Omicron, the cases would make this event the biggest outbreak of the variant in the world so far.
The preliminary screening showed “a high probability” of Omicron, said the Assistant chief infection control doctor Tine Ravlo.
“We have not received it definitively confirmed, but there are very strong indications that it is Omicron in this outbreak,” Jorunn Thaulow, the district’s responsible infection control doctor, told Avisa Oslo.
Initial analysis of the samples has seemingly ruled out the Delta variant as a possible factor.
Media outlets have confirmed that all those who attended the soiree were required to be vaccinated and show a negative test upon arrival.
Those who attended the party have been instructed to isolate but a larger test and trace system has also mandated testing for potential contacts.
Anyone who visited the Louise Restaurant and Bar between 10.30pm and 3am on November 26/27 has been asked to test. Anyone who attended the Old Irish Pub in Majorstua between 10pm and 1am the next day has also been asked to test.
Related links:
- Most Omicron cases’ mild’ and no evidence vaccines may be less effective – WHO official
- Omicron symptoms: What you should be looking out for
- UK now has 22 Omicron cases, as PM confirms 8 new infections
