Amid the circulation of a new subvariant of the coronavirus, Brazil faces a significant increase in the number of cases of Covid-19. In the week ended on Saturday (12), infections showed a high of 134% compared to the previous seven days, according to data from the National Council of Health Secretaries (Conass).
The subvariant BQ.1, of Ômicron, carries mutations in important points of the virus, which may be associated with greater transmissibility.
Experts point out that habits such as wearing masks, hand hygiene and social distancing, which have become popular as disease prevention measures, should be reinforced in periods of greater viral circulation.
In addition to reducing the risks of disease transmission, the actions contribute to protecting mainly individuals who are more vulnerable to the virus, such as the elderly over 70 years of age, immunosuppressed and pregnant women.
In an interview with CNN this Sunday (13), the director of the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm), Renato Kfouri, highlighted necessary strategies in view of the high number of cases.
It is important to highlight that those who have symptoms need to leave the house with a mask, when they need to go out. It is a social responsibility of all of us not to pass it on to family members, co-workers and those who are on public transport with us. It is very important to keep vaccination up to date and for those who are symptomatic to wear the mask. For the general population, wearing a mask indoors, where you can’t achieve distance, is extremely desirable. You will protect yourself and protect those you live with
Renato Kfouri
The expert explained that the epidemiological scenario can be explained by a set of factors, in addition to the circulation of the new subvariant in the country.
“BQ.1, which is the variant that is circulating the most in Brazil, has now found a favorable environment: many people are no longer wearing a mask, without using distancing, low vaccination of populations with the third dose – only 60% of the eligible population took the third dose. dose, and a time elapsed since the last major mass vaccination above six months. This is the ideal condition for us to see an increase in cases emerge as we are seeing now,” he said.
On Saturday (12), the Minister of Health, Marcelo Queiroga, made an appeal to the population, in a publication on Twitter, for joining the reinforcements against the disease.
“I also want to remind you that more than 69 million Brazilians did not take the first booster dose against Covid-19. Already 32.8 million people could have received the second booster dose against the disease, but have not yet been vaccinated,” said the minister.
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Source: CNN Brasil
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