A young Norwegian health care worker who’d tested positive for the Corona virus has been fined NOK 20,000 (USD 1,800) for violating isloation rules and partying over the weekend. The person charged risks a 40-day jail term if the fine isn’t paid.
“We hope people understand how serious the situation is in the country,” said prosecutor Gunnar Fløystad of the Vest Police District at a press conference Monday. He stressed how critical it is to follow national isolation and quarantine regulations currently in place that are meant to hinder the spread of the virus.
The defendant now charged in Norway’s western region of Sogn og Fjordane instead ignored the regulations and headed out to a party with other youth also supposed to be in quarantine. Norwegian officials battling the virus mainly want everyone to just stay home and limit all social contact for at least another week as the country remains in shut-down mode.
Police all over the country have been alarmed by what’s being called “quarantine parties” that violate extraordinary anti-infection regulations. Local health authorities now fear that all of the youth at the party, who were in quarantine but not necessarily sick, have also been infected with the Corona (covid-19) virus.
One local doctor said it was possible the youth misunderstood the difference between quarantine and isolation rules. Those confirmed as infected with the virus are ordered into isolation and not allowed to leave their homes. Restrictions also apply to the contact they have with those sharing the same dwelling.
Those ordered into quarantine are also restricted from any shopping, banned from going to work, meeting friends and using public transport but can have contact with housemates and go outdoors for a walk.
newsinenglish.no staff
