Doctor: young people play crucial Covid role

Denmark is experiencing an increase in new Covid cases, and this is a cause for concern for Faroese people, says the health ministry’s Covid-19 consultant Dr Bjarni á Steig.

Hundreds of Faroese people travel to and from Denmark every week, and most of these are young students who lead active social lives, he says.

This is clearly reflected in the Faroese Covid statistics, where the 20-29 age group dominates the figures, with 59 cases registered, followed by the 10-19s and the 40-49s (20) and the 30s-39s (19).

“Unlike the older generations, who lead more stable social lives and thus are less at risk of spreading the virus, young people, many of whom are part of active student communities in Denmark, travel back and forth between the countries and can potentially spread the virus far and wide,” he says.

Avoid big parties

With the autumn break fast approaching and many students travelling home to the Faroes, the doctor urges these people to show extra care and remember to take a follow-up test six days after arrival.

During the first Covid wave, young people were generally referred to as “healthy carriers” of the virus. But Steig says that most of those who have been hospitalised during the second wave are young people.

“I would urge young people to avoid attending any big parties and respect all the safety precautions. Although young people are statistically less likely to suffer major complications from Covid-19, they can very easily spread the virus if they do not act cautiously.”

The doctor suggests that young people ought to consider limiting their social interactions to so-called social bubbles, i.e. a small group of familiar people, and avoid large groups.

For further information about Covid-19 in the Faroes, visit corona.fo.

Translated by prosa.fo