hat tip Michael Coston
Government statement
Identified 13 cases of the variant Ómicron
29/11/2021
Health authorities reinforce epidemiological surveillance.
The National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), through its Department of Infectious Diseases, analyzed, on November 28, a batch of 13 positive samples associated with cases of infection of players of Belenenses SAD, given that one of the positive cases will have had a recent trip to South Africa.
It also analyzed samples from 218 passengers on a flight originating in Maputo that landed at Lisbon airport on November 27.
Preliminary tests conducted at INSA strongly suggest that all 13 cases associated with Belenenses SAD players are related to the variant of concern Ómicron. In order to ensure the breakdown of transmission chains and following the principle of public health precaution, pending further information on vaccine transmission, impact and effectiveness against the Ómicron variant, the Health Authorities have determined the prophylactic isolation of contacts from cases of infection associated with this outbreak, regardless of vaccine status and level of exposure.
This new genetic variant of the new coronavirus, initially identified in South Africa and some southern African countries, has also been identified in recent days in some European countries. However, there is still no scientific evidence to support its increased transmissibility or its ability to reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines.
Health authorities throughout the territory reinforce epidemiological surveillance by implementing control measures, with prophylactic isolation of contacts of cases of infection by the Ómicron variant or with a history of travel to Southern Africa in the previous 14 days, regardless of vaccination status, by the principle of precaution in Public
Health. THE INSA will also continue to monitor the genetic variants of the new coronavirus continuously through the analysis of samples with national representativeness, as well as the analysis of suspected cases that are identified by the Health Authorities or collaborating laboratories.
Portugal is aware of this situation, maintaining its continuous program of monitoring variants at national level. More information on the "Study of the genetic diversity of the new Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in Portugal" can be obtained in
https://insaflu.insa.pt/covid19/. Health Authorities continue to call for self-isolation and testing of people who have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, who should contact the SNS24. For more information, see
https://covid19.min-saude.pt/.
29 november 2021
Identified 13 cases of the variant Ómicron - SNS
