The Omicron variant has become the dominant variant in Portugal, as the country yesterday recorded a record number of new cases of Covid-19 since the end of January, the General Health Directorate said.
«The Omicron variant is already predominant in Portugal» with an estimated case rate of 61.5% on 22 December, according to a statement from the General Directorate of Health, which however specifies that mortality and the number of hospitalisations remain stable.
Yesterday, Portugal recorded 11 deaths and 12,943 new cases in the last 24 hours, a record since 29 January 2021. The country was hit earlier this year by a fierce wave of the epidemic that overwhelmed the health system.
To deal with the increase in cases, Portugal adopted a series of new measures to control the epidemic, including compulsory distance working, the presentation of tests for participation in shows or sporting events, and the closure of bars and discotheques.
The Portuguese government reintroduced several health control measures at the beginning of December by extending the use of the brand, the vaccination certificate and diagnostic tests.
To reduce contact after the festive season, the government announced on 25 November that the school holiday would be extended and that distance working would be compulsory in the first week of January.
Portugal, one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, also requires a negative test for travellers arriving on its territory, including those who have been vaccinated.
