The Omicron variant has become dominant in Portugal, while the country on Friday recorded a record of new cases of Covid-19 in 24 hours since the end of January, announced the General Directorate of Health (DGS).
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"
The Omicron variant is already dominant in Portugal
", with a number of cases "
estimated at 61.5% on December 22,
" according to a press release from the DGS specifying, however, that mortality and hospitalizations in intensive care remain "
stable
" .
Friday, December 24, Portugal recorded 11 deaths and 12,943 new cases in 24 hours, a record since January 29.
The country was struck at the beginning of the year by a violent wave of contagions which had overwhelmed hospital services.
To cope with this increase in contamination, Portugal has adopted a series of new epidemic control measures including, in particular, compulsory teleworking, the presentation of a test to attend a show or a sporting event, as well as the closing of bars and nightclubs.
The government had already reinstated several health control measures in early December to expand the use of masks, vaccination certificates and screening tests.
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To reduce contact after the gatherings planned for the end of year celebrations, the socialist executive announced on November 25 that the school holidays would be extended and that telework would be compulsory during the first week of January.
Portugal, one of the countries with one of the highest vaccination coverage rates in the world, also requires a negative test for travelers arriving on its territory, including those who are vaccinated.