'Super-spreader' party by renewables group Scatec sparks largest Omicron outbreak outside South Africa
Oslo Christmas event by developer active in nation at epicentre of variant focus of big Norwegian Covid containment effort
A Christmas party held by a renewables developer building projects in South Africa was the focus of investigations into a major outbreak of the Omicron Covid variant in Europe after being labelled a “super-spreader event” by authorities in Norway,
Norway’s public health institute told the news agency that it believes at least half of the 120 people at the event were infected with Omicron. “This makes this, for now, the largest Omicron outbreak outside South Africa.
“This party has been a super-spreader event.”
Norway’s Covid testers were this weekend racing to track those at the party and their contacts in Oslo and the surrounding area.
South Africa is the epicentre of the Omicron variant that’s currently causing anxiety around the world.
Scatec has for a decade been among the leading foreign developers in South Africa’s renewables sector, regularly winning projects in the nation’s tender rounds and with 448MW in operation so far, according to its website.
Focus on employees
"Scatec has followed all the guidelines provided by the government during the pandemic, with additional measures in place to protect society and our employees, including advice for any employees that may have recently been to South Africa."
Scatec added: "Following several confirmed cases, we have been in close dialogue with the district chief physician to ensure we follow the best advice on how to follow up with our employees.
"The focus of Scatec is to take care of our employees and do what we can to prevent the further spread of Covid 19."
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