-
Portugal, in containment phase to stop the coronavirus
Europa Press
The cases of coronavirus increased by 58% in a week in Portugal, which is once again at the head of Europe in infections, while the voices of experts who propose recovering the mask and reinforcing security measures in massive events grow.
The latest situation report from the Portuguese General Directorate of Health (DGS), with data between May 10 and 16, includes 157,502 cases in that week, a 58% more than in the previous one, with a seven-day incidence of 1,529 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The daily average is 22,500 cases, but the DGS expects that in two weeks it will reach 60,000, figures that were only seen in the country last January, with the arrival of ómicron.
The sixth wave, as this phase is already defined in Portugal, is also underway. having effects on the number of deceased, which passed from 144 to 191 in one week, with a 33% increase in mortality, although it remains at moderate levels compared to the worst moments of the pandemic.
The increase in infections is spreading. This was felt especially in the north of the country, where the largest hospital in the region, the São João in Porto, warned that This week that the pressure on the emergency department could lead to the postponement of scheduled surgeries and consultations.
The celebrations of the League won by Porto and the university celebrations could They will be two of the engines of this growth in the north, according to this week the emergency director of that hospital, Nelson Pereira.
To this is added that the Government of Portugal suppressed A month ago the mandatory use of a mask indoors, which is now only reserved for hospitals, residences and public transport.
But voices are beginning to emerge in the country that appeal for the return of this protection factor, such as that of the General Director of Health, Graça Freitas, who recommended to the Portuguese to wear a mask again.
In “closed environments and crowds”, including work, the mask “is recommended, like all other measures”, Freitas said in an interview with the Portuguese network TVI.
The DGS has already begun to update the rules on the use of a mask and from this Friday they must be used in thermal establishments and in dentist’s offices -except during treatment-.
For his part, the Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, highlighted the This week Portugal has begun to inject the fourth dose of The vaccine is given to those over 80 years of age and to elderly people who live in residences, as they are still considered people at risk from the virus.
Despite misgivings about the increase contagion, the capital, which will celebrate In the coming weeks, the Lisbon Festival, is preparing for the crowds of people as a way to return to normality, although it asks the population to “protect themselves”.
The mayor, Carlos Moedas, explained Portuguese media that the covid is going to become “endemic” and you will no longer have the impact it has had on the previous waves, for which he defended it. that “Lisbon has to be open” and “back to normal”.