FFI’s support to the Norwegian health authorities during the Covid 19 pandemic – quality control of personal protective equipment

This report describes the support to Norwegian health authorities from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 and the capabilities the institute holds to handle similar crises in the future. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared 30 January 2020 that the corona virus outbreak was a global public health crisis. Since this date, the government and authorities have continuously implemented measures to reduce the spread of the virus in society. The new coronavirus is identified as SARS-CoV-2. The corona virus pandemic has challenged Norwegian emergency preparedness and illuminated areas that must be considered in the development of the future Norwegian emergency preparedness. Shortly after the outbreak of the pandemic, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted three priorities for the defence sector during the pandemic: i) maintain sharp missions, operational capability and preparedness nationally and together with allies; ii) reduce the risk of infection in the sector's agencies and thus contribute to reducing the risk of infection in society in general, as well as taking care of vulnerable employees in the agencies; and iii) support civilian authorities upon request. FFI has responded to the MoD’s priorities, including contributed with research in support to civilian health authorities upon request. FFI continuously develops research-based knowledge, first and foremost for the Norwegian Armed Forces. With this knowledge, FFI adjusted existing equipment and procedures to support the health sector with quality control of infection control equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical devices. Additionally, FFI has provided advice related to infection control, tested and evaluated sampling methods, assessed decontamination solutions, as well as supported Norwegian industry in their development of protective equipment. The support FFI has provided the health authorities has also supported the Norwegian Armed Forces, through the total defence framework, as the knowledge provider for emergency measures and as an active actor within public security of the handling of the corona virus pandemic. This report summarizes knowledge and capabilities that were developed and established at FFI during the corona virus pandemic. The report illuminates some of areas where FFI can support and strengthen the development of Norwegian preparedness for similar crises in the future, also in a Total Defence perspective.