In an interview with CNN, the coordinator of the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP), Max Igor, evaluated that “it is not yet known whether the advancement of Ômicron will increase the number of hospitalizations”.
He points out that in Europe there is an increase in hospitalizations: “And she [a Europa] Brazil is a few weeks ahead of the pandemic, hospitalizations are increasing, it has different characteristics in each country and that makes it difficult”.
According to the infectologist, Brazil has factors that favor the epidemiological context in the face of the Ômicron variant, such as the advance of vaccination in the second half of 2021 and having already experienced a high in cases previously.
Max Igor also assesses that it is necessary to strengthen measures to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. “Perhaps a phase is coming more and more in which the disease evolves in a more peaceful, less severe way, and that brings us closer to normality”, he said.
Regarding the decision of the Ministry of Health to reduce the quarantine period from 10 to 7 days, the infectologist says that it is a “complex discussion”.
“The disease has been changing its character, it has been lighter, people are vaccinated, there will be a time when the concern about Covid will be less. I understand that, but there are challenges, it is still not known exactly if we are in this phase of everything so calm, because the number of cases remains high”, he pondered.
The expert recommends that, after the seventh day of quarantine, people without symptoms keep wearing masks for another three days. “Preferably, N95 and avoid contact without a mask with other people, you need this care”, he guided.
Reference: CNN Brasil
