The Scandinavian country "must be prepared for a stronger wave" of COVID-19 infections this winter, according to a top Norwegian health official, who noted that the country is already seeing an increase in cases.

"Based on an overall assessment, we feel a wave (of infections) is likely to occur throughout the winter," said Camilla Stoltenberg, director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
She did not expect a major increase in hospitalizations because Norway has vaccinated over 86.6 percent of persons aged 18 and up.
 

The city of Tromsoe in northern Norway reported 62 new cases in the previous day, a local high. Authorities are advocating face masks, social isolation, and working from home, according to Gunnar Wilhelmsen, mayor of the 77,000-person community.

Norway recorded 1,144 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, nearly doubling the number from a week ago. Technical troubles caused no figures for Thursday, according to Norwegian health officials.

Anders Tegnell, Sweden's chief epidemiologist, highlighted a rise in illnesses in Eastern Europe and added, "We also have a significant situation in Western Europe."