The delta variant of the new coronavirus, first identified in India, is already dominant in the Lisbon region. According to initial information from epidemiological surveillance, the strain, which is much more transmissible, represents more than 60% of cases in the metropolitan area of the capital.
The spread of the delta variant appears to be closely linked to the significant increase in infections in greater Lisbon, which already account for around 70% of daily cases in the country.
In an attempt to contain the spread of the delta strain, the government restricted traffic in and out of the Lisbon metropolitan area over the weekend.
Between 3:00 p.m. on Friday and 6:00 a.m. on Monday, it is forbidden to enter or leave the region. However, it is possible to travel among the 18 municipalities that make up the AML.
The idea is to try to prevent the delta variant from spreading to the rest of the country. According to data from Insa (National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge), the prevalence of the strain in northern Portugal is still below 15%.
Next Thursday (24), the government is expected to announce the decision to revert certain restrictive measures in the capital.
Lisbon has already crossed the red line set by the authorities, with 240 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days. Under current rules, two consecutive weeks with this rating – which should happen during the next assessment – represents a step backwards in the deconfinement process.
Although the number of hospitalizations has also increased, the number of deaths still remains more or less at the same level. Last Sunday (20), 3 deaths were recorded by the Covid-19.
The country is now trying to speed up vaccination. Currently, 47.4% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 25.52% have been fully vaccinated.