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Despite having one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe and even the world, Portugal is also experiencing rapidly rising infection rates. Health authorities in Lisbon yesterday reported 5,649 new cases registered within 24 hours, the highest since Feb. 6 (6,132). The daily number of people who died with covid-19 was 22, according to the report, the last time that many had been reported was March 10, according to official data.
Seven-day incidence at 193
Meanwhile, the seven-day incidence in Portugal rose from about 100 in mid-November to 193 most recently, although this still puts the country, which has a vaccination rate of about 88 percent, in a much better position than many other countries in Europe. By way of comparison, the figure in Austria was 667.
The left-wing government in Lisbon stresses the need for caution. However, the situation in intensive care units in particular remains relatively relaxed. 130 intensive care beds were occupied by covid patients at last count. Last winter, more than 800 intensive care beds were occupied by covid patients in the country with a population of 10.3 million.
Measures tightened
New measures to contain the pandemic have been in effect since Wednesday. All visitors arriving by air must test negative, even if vaccinated. Vaccinated and recovered people must also present a negative test when visiting bars and discos, hospitals and retirement homes, and large events without fixed numbered seating, just like unvaccinated people. In addition, a general mask requirement has been reintroduced in all enclosed public spaces.
— source: orf.at/picture: Photo by Portuguese Gravity on Unsplash
