Expert defends current Covid-19 strategy

If there was no hope for an effective Covid-19 vaccine, we would have little choice but to let the virus run its course and just hope for the best outcome.

But there is hope for vaccine, says public health professor Pál Weihe, which is why it makes good sense to stick with the current strategy of suppressing the virus.

“From a medical perspective, I believe – and my colleagues would probably agree – that it would be irresponsible to start easing the quarantine measures just because the current strain of Covid-19 appears to be relatively mild,” he says.

 >> SEE ALSO Experts predict prolonged lockdown (from April)

Russian health authorities claim to have a vaccine ready to distribute. Weihe hopes they are right and that it will be effective, but his personal opinion is that we will have to wait about a year for a fully effective vaccine to be available in the Faroe Islands.

“One year is a relatively short wait, so I strongly believe that what we are doing now is right, despite the economic and psychological costs.”

How to stay sane during quarantine

In April, corona.fo issued the following advice on how to stay in shape, physically as well as mentally during quarantine.

- Organise your day and stick to your healthy habits.

- Make sure you exercise and get fresh air every day.

- Get enough sleep and stick to your usual bedtimes.

- Stay in touch with family and friends via the internet or the phone.

- Redirect your attention from your worries by focusing on creative or practical tasks.

- Limit your intake of corona-related news if this fuels your anxiety. The latest corona information and figures are available on corona.fo

- Talk to a good friend or relative. Express your worries and remember to include non-corona related topics. This can help you redirect your focus.

- Keep in mind that things will return to normal once the pandemic is over.

Translated by prosa.fo