Lisbon, December 1, 2008 : Following the recent spike in Covid-19-related deaths, hospitalisations, and infections, the authorities in Portugal have announced a return of the “state calamity” on Dec 1.The new measures include increased health screenings at the borders of the country and a strengthening of the vaccination campaign. Jose Pocas, an infectious disease specialist and Director at the Hospital de Sao Bernardo, Setubal, spoke exclusively to Xinhua.He said that the pandemic situation for Portugal is “very uncertain”.
“There is a rapid increase in new cases, particularly those caused by the Omicron variant of the virus.There is also a possibility that additional mutations will be discovered.”
Portugal is, however, in a “privileged position” because vaccine acceptance rates are higher than in other countries in Europe, Xinhua news agency reported.
Pocas says that vaccine refusal in Portugal is virtually non-existent.
This makes it a “model country” for other countries and gives the population more protection against new strains of the virus.
“The level of vaccine acceptance in each country is reflected by the Covid-19 situation.” He explained that countries with a higher than 25% population who aren’t immunized are more likely to have severe cases and higher rates of transmission and mortality.
Pocas reports that the Omicron variant was found in Portugal in the hands of members of a professional soccer club.
The isolation of the infected could help to control the outbreak.
He said that Portugal was doing all it could to protect its citizens, including border control and cancellation of flights to more dangerous countries.
“The Portuguese measures have been effective, but it is impossible to stop the spread of the disease completely.Even vaccinated people are not fully protected.
However, it is better to vaccinate to prevent an exponential increase in infections.
He stated that Covid-19 control is possible if you are able to identify the infected strains as soon as possible and be assertive in identifying them.
“We should not panic, but be alert and very active.He stated that each citizen must adhere to the laws in force, which are simple to follow.
Margarida Tavares is an infectious diseases specialist at Hospital S.Joao in Porto and considers most government measures “inadequate.” These include the mandatory use face masks and the wider usage of the vaccination certificate.
She believes it is important to be cautious as the PCR (polymerase-chain reaction) test may indicate past infections that are not contagious.
Tavares supports the strengthening of the vaccination campaign.She believes it is “essential” that children over five years of age be vaccinated, as this age group has a higher incidence rate.
According to the latest bulletin from the Portuguese Health Directorate, 1,161,527 people in Portugal have received a booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine.In addition, 8,574,702 people have completed primary vaccination with two doses.
int/khz/ #Portugal #stress #efficacy #safety
.
