Scientists from the Faculty of Science admit that Portugal may enter the fifth wave of COVID-19, and advocate strengthening the vaccine in age groups where the number of new cases has increased, even if they have a low risk of serious illness.
In an article from Monday, Manuel Carmo Gomes and Carlos Antunes of the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Science defend this against the coronavirus. do not interfere with the normalization of Portuguese life, service high protection of the population through revaccination in age groups where the number of new cases has increased, even if their risk of serious illness is lower.
“It is necessary to provide maintaining a high degree of immunological protection Portuguese population. If necessary, introduction vaccine boosters in specific groupsthey have the highest risk of contracting and transmitting the virus, not just those most at risk of serious illness, ”they write.
More infections between the ages of 18 and 25
Experts note that in recent weeks, the ages at which the risk of infection is increased are among the age categories. 18 and 25 years old, followed by children under 10 years old and from young people between the ages of 25 and 40.
These ages, emphasize increased socialization after October 1when the country entered the third phase of deconfinement associated with reaching 85% vaccine coverage ”.
Remember this, occasionally outbreaks occurred in nursing homes., “Leads to high morbidity in people over 70 years of age,” but, they insist, “globally, non-elderly people are responsible for more cases.”
However, they emphasize: “the oldest remain the most susceptible to serious illness.justifying hospitalization and ultimately death. “
As an example, they point out that during October “youover 70 years old accounted for about 70% of hospitalized in the ward covid-19 and about 91% of deaths, but only 15% of infections occurred. “
Stop the spread of covid-19
They claim that only a combination high vaccination coverage how maintenance of non-drug activitiesespecially the use of masks and ventilation in enclosed spaces can significantly slow down the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
“Failure to comply with at least one of these requirements is a likely explanation for the resurgence of the infection that we are currently seeing in Europe, even in countries where 60% to 75% of the population is vaccinated, as is the case in the United Kingdom. , Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece and Ireland, ”they write.
In an article published on the website of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Nova, Manuel Carmo Gomes (epidemiologist) and Carlos Antunes (mathematician) say that It is “quite predictable” that this fall and winter, Portugal will continue “with a daily incidence of several hundred cases and a small number of deaths.”
“In fact, the latest data from early November suggests a noticeable resurgence of infection, and we are likely to see the beginning of a fifth wave,” they add.
Infections and deaths are on the rise worldwide
A Austria announces strengthening of patrols controlling access to cafes, restaurants and hotelsafter Vienna introduced a vaccination certificate to try to stem the rise of COVID-19 infections, while in the United States, the opening to non-essential travel has led to a sharp increase in the number of flights to the country.
For the first time in 20 months, thousands of passengers will be able to land on USA, from any country for a visit deemed immaterial. V borders reopen to foreign travelersbut with a full covid-19 vaccination schedule and a negative test done 72 hours before departure.
The lifting of restrictions on air and land borders occurs when 70% of the adult population is fully vaccinated and has already started administering booster doses for over 65 years, even though the Biden administration is grappling with legal issues related to the intention to make immunization mandatory in companies with more than 100 employees.
On RussiaThe Moscow metro, which is returning from forced holidays imposed by the Kremlin to contain a dizzying rise in infections and deaths, reflects the reluctance of some to recognize the severity of this fourth wave of COVID-19. you can see yourself overcrowded cars and unmasked usersin a country where the vaccination rate is less than 35 percent.
On Germany, in which less than 70% of the population received two doses, the incidence rate accumulated over the past seven days reached, this Monday, a new high since the start of the pandemic: more than 201 infections per 100,000 inhabitants.
On Austria, with a vaccination rate of less than 65%, the incidence of infections is t.three times more than in neighboring Germany: 635 new cases in 7 days per 100,000 inhabitants. Vienna Government announced reinforcement of police patrols, with over 800 agents to introduce new rules that prevent those who are not fully vaccinated for visiting restaurants, hotels, hairdressing salons and large public events.
