Covid restrictions can be a mental health hazard for youths

The health authorities have not taken the mental health of teenagers into account when issuing Covid restrictions.

This is the view of psychologist Helgi Rasmussen, who has called on the authorities to introduce measures to reduce “the menacing and concealed epidemic among young people – depression and anxiety”.

“We have seen a sharp increase in young people suffering mental health problems in recent years,” he says.

“The social isolation that comes with the current Covid restrictions can have a lasting impact on many vulnerable young people during this crucial stage of their personal and social development.”

 >> SEE ALSO Big increase in child psychiatry waiting times

In his public letter to the government, Rasmussen suggests that young people across the country should be consulted on how they would like to arrange their social activities in a safe manner.

“Young people have a much stronger need to socialise than us older people, so it’s only fair that we consider some safety measures that are tailored to this need,” he says.

“We must find a way to create a social space for young people in which they can feel free from worrying about being infected and then bringing the virus into their homes.”

Forty-eight new Covid cases

Yesterday’s 2,911 Covid tests resulted in 48 positive cases, reports corona.fo.

All have been notified by the health authorities, and extensive contact tracing is underway.

The daily numbers of positive tests over the past week have been as follows: 48, 29, 52, 64, 47, 48 and 48.

There are currently 583 active Covid cases in the country. Three people are receiving Covid treatment in hospital, and eight Covid-related fatalities have been registered.

 >> SEE ALSO Parents of quarantined children entitled to compensation

According to the latest vaccination figures on corona.fo, updated today, 90.6 percent of the 12+ population have received the first shot of the vaccine, 85.8 percent have received the second shot and 6.9 percent have received a third booster shot.

Plenty of vaccine doses are available to everyone aged 12 and over. Click here to book your vaccination appointment.

Those requiring assistance with filling in the forms can call 304545 on weekdays between 2pm and 4pm.

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

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.