Kári Stefánsson, director of the Institute of Genetics, says Icelanders should prepare for the new wave of the coronavirus epidemic. In an interview with Vísir, Kári said it was possible if we take into account today’s news about new infections within the country. Yesterday, thirteen people were diagnosed with the coronavirus in the country, and only one of those infected was in quarantine. This is the highest number of infections ever detected in one day since August 6, when 16 people were diagnosed with infections.
“Then we noticed that the virus is widespread in society. The vast majority of people who had not been quarantined were infected. Research has shown that these people have an active virus “ said Kári and added:
“We have to prepare for a new wave that will come in one to two weeks. I am not saying that the chances of another series of infections are high, but what is happening now is enough for us to prepare for it. “
The coronavirus also did not spare the seat of the Institute of Genetics. A student at Reykjavik University, who came to work at the institute last Thursday, was diagnosed with the virus.
Kári said the team’s reaction was very quick. All employees who were on the second floor of the building where the student was working were sampled and sent home. All tests showed negative results also five days after they were all sent home.
“I don’t think there is enough reason to quarantine everyone.” Kári was saying. On the other hand, two employees of the Institute who had longer contact with the student were sent to quarantine and after seven days they will undergo further tests.
Kári added that the Institute of Genetics had offered to investigate all employees and students of the University of Iceland, and after this incident, offered to do the same at Reykjavik University as the virus seems to appear in groups of young people.
Marta Magdalena Niebieszczanska /visir.is
Source: Yle