The Covid-19 Observatory of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) warned, this Monday (13), that, although Brazil is currently recording a drop in the main indicators of the disease, due to the immunization campaign, the pandemic is not over yet. Just as Delta appeared at the end of last year, the discovery of the new variant, Ômicron, represents a warning about the pandemic and the necessary care during the holiday season.
Therefore, the Observatory says that it is essential to advance in vaccination and maintain additional protection measures. With this objective, the observatory released a new booklet this Monday, which includes a set of guidelines on safer ways to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve and reduce the risks of transmission of Covid-19 during the period.
The recommendations contained in the booklet will also be published in the format of information cards for sharing on WhatsApp and other social networks, as well as a poll on the networks, which simulates a game for the person who wants to go to a New Year’s meeting in the most safe as possible.
main message
This is the second edition of the booklet, whose main message is vaccination as the most important form of protection. Some of the recommendations made in last year’s edition are still valid, especially for those people who do not know if everyone who will be present at the end-of-year meetings and events has been vaccinated, if they are from the risk group, or more vulnerable, such as the elderly , or if there are children in the family who have not yet been vaccinated.
The booklet provides guidance on participation in family events and small get-togethers with friends, as crowding should still be avoided.
According to the researchers at the observatory, the suggested recommendations can and should be shared and discussed in family, groups of friends, in the workplace, in communities and in other groups.
The objective is to clarify, dialogue and agree on solidary and conscientious strategies so that people can keep the parties taking care of each other, and also encourage unimmunized relatives, friends and co-workers to get vaccinated.
The latest edition of Fiocruz’s Covid-19 Observatory Bulletin emphasizes that the proximity of the end-of-year festivities and school holidays, in addition to the heating of tourism, increases the movement of people on the streets and imposes special attention on monitoring the intensity of this movement.
According to the coordinator of the Covid-19 Observatory at Fiocruz, Carlos Machado, the current scenario is more favorable than last year, but it is still necessary to remain alert, especially given the uncertainties related to the new variant of the coronavirus and the intensity of movement of people in this period of the year.
“Therefore, we reinforce that the main care at the end of 2021 is to ensure that everyone is vaccinated with the complete regimen, including the booster dose, if the person already has this indication. For those who do not yet have the complete scheme, we recommend that you go to the health post 14 days before the event so that you can be protected and help protect others as well”, said Machado. Being vaccinated is the best gift at the end of the year and he advised, stated Machado, advising: “Protect yourself and your family.”
Reference: CNN Brasil
