The North region of Portugal maintains a growing trend in infection by SARS-Cov-2, but less than 120 cases / 100 thousand inhabitants, and in the Algarve the incidence has decreased, but still with values above the national average, according to the data released today.
According to the data revealed this morning by André Peralta Santos, from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), at the Infarmed meeting (Lisbon) on the epidemiological situation in the country, in the last two weeks there has been a stable trend over 14 days, which the specialist considered “a good sign”.
The specialist stressed that there is a a diverse character in the incidence over the last 14 days in the national territory, still with some municipalities with an incidence greater than 120 cases / 100 thousand inhabitants, and that there is a decreasing trend in large urban centers, “which stabilses the incidence rate nationally, ”he said.
André Peralta Santos also said that in the last week, due to population density and the number of inhabitants, there was a growth in the northern counties such as Paredes, Paços de Ferreira and Penafiel, which, according to the specialist, "causes some concern".
He also pointed out the reversal of the increase of infection in Odemira (Alentejo) as "good news". Despite remaining high, he underlined, "it has already started a downward trend".
The specialist also revealed that in the last two weeks the trend of growth in the infection by SARS-Cov-2 in the age group from 0 to 9 years has been reversed.
On the other hand, the incidence of infection has increased in the 10 to 20 age group, but the specialist stressed that "these groups are not of particular concern because they have a relatively benign disease course".
The group that generated the greatest concern, people aged 80 and over, maintains a downward trend and is, at this moment, "the most protected group", he added.
Regarding the impact of the infection on the National Health Service (SNS), André Peralta Santos said that hospitalisation maintains a “slightly decreasing” trend and that the occupation in intensive care units has dropped.
Regarding those admitted to the wards, there is a “very sharp” downward trend in people aged 80 and over - “which should be attributed to the ongoing vaccination effort”.
In the Intensive Care Units (ICU), the group from 50 to 79 years old is the one with the highest occupation, but with values "much lower than the peak" and the mortality rate keeping a "positive evolution".
As for testing, there was an increase in intensity and the counties with the highest incidence of infection have tested more. The positivity rate remains below the 4% benchmark.
