Omicron, first identified in South Africa late November, became dominant in France by December’s close. What are its hallmarks, specifically its symptoms? Contrary to earlier variants, loss of taste and smell are far less prevalent. Instead, anticipate symptoms resembling a common cold—runny nose, scratchy throat—a consequence of growing population immunity, largely due to vaccination efforts. Omicron primarily targets the bronchi rather than the lungs, potentially explaining its high transmission rate. This is the initial understanding of its characteristics; its transmissibility is at least double that of Delta, yet preliminary evidence suggests a reduced severity of illness. Consequently, should isolation protocols be reassessed? Currently, positive individuals face a 10-day self-isolation mandate. For Omicron cases, contacts must also isolate for seven to seventeen days depending on shared living arrangements. Given the weekly millions impacted, authorities worry about societal disruption; thus, isolation periods may be shortened. This carries significant risk, cautions Dr. Anne Sénéquier, co-head of the IRIS Global Health Observatory, in a recent TF1 interview. England, Spain, and Portugal have already shortened isolation durations; the United States has lowered it from ten to five days. Unofficial reports indicate France’s health minister will announce revised guidelines on Sunday.
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Portugal tightens the screw against the Omicron variant
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
Portugal is determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s holiday health crisis. Twelve months prior, the nation grappled with a ferocious outbreak fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant, culminating in the highest per capita Covid-19 death toll globally (18,441 to date) (data source).
A surge in daily infections, peaking at 13,000, overwhelmed hospitals. Despite achieving a world-record vaccination rate last September, Prime Minister António Costa’s administration is taking proactive steps, particularly given the upcoming January 30th parliamentary elections.
Mandatory Remote Work
To preempt another public health emergency, Portugal, despite Omicron’s dominance—a variant deemed highly transmissible but less lethal than Delta, with stable mortality and ICU admissions according to the General Directorate of Health (DGS)—has implemented stringent measures since December 25th. These include mandatory remote work where feasible and increased testing frequency. Simultaneously, despite Europe’s highest vaccination coverage, the third-dose campaign continues at full throttle.
→ ANALYSIS. In Portugal, Covid-19 impacts immigrant agricultural laborers
Omicron’s arrival in Portugal was first detected in late November during a football match. The Belenenses SAD team, decimated by Covid-19 cases, was unable to complete their game against Benfica. With thirteen players testing positive for the new variant, the team was reduced to six players, forcing match suspension.
A “Week of Restraint”
Portugal initially reported an average of 3,000 daily cases in early December before a sharp increase over three days (December 28th, 29th, and 30th), reaching 72,698 infections. On December 31st, the daily case count peaked at 30,000.
To curb the exponential rise in infections, the Portuguese government implemented a Europe-unique “Week of Restraint” from January 2nd to 9th, aiming to curtail Omicron transmission. More stringent measures were enacted: all educational institutions (from preschool to university), bars, and nightclubs closed. Remote work became mandatory where possible. Health passes are once again mandatory in restaurants and hotels, with negative tests required for bar and nightclub entry, regardless of vaccination status.
Election Contingency Plans
This negative test requirement (less than 48 hours for antigen, less than 72 hours for PCR) applies to all travelers entering mainland Portugal by land, sea, or air.
Surprisingly, mirroring trends in other European nations, the Portuguese Directorate General of Health announced on December 30th that the isolation period for asymptomatic Covid-19 cases would shorten to seven days. Isolation for close contacts will also reduce from ten to seven days.
With the January elections approaching, municipalities are preparing expanded early voting options on January 23rd and increased support for voters in isolation, potentially reaching 600,000 individuals.
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