Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 20th October 2021
by Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 update
There were 56 new Covid-19 cases, 58 recoveries and 1 death from Covid-19 in Madeira since the previous Madeira Situation Report, which was published a week ago.
On Wednesday, there were 10 new Covid-19 cases (1 imported case from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region & 9 cases of local transmission) and 8 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 10, 1 of whom was in intensive care.
On Thursday, there were 10 new Covid-19 cases (1 imported from the Netherlands & 9 cases of local transmission) and 10 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital, including in intensive care, remained the same as the day before.
On Friday, there were 5 new Covid-19 cases (1 imported case from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region & 4 cases of local transmission), 11 recoveries and 1 death. A 60 year-old patient, who had pre-existing conditions, died at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. This was the first Covid-19 fatality in the Region in several weeks. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 8, none of whom was in intensive care.
On Saturday, there were 8 new Covid-19 cases (all cases of local transmission) and 5 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital decreased to 7, none of whom was in intensive care.
On Sunday, there were 4 new Covid-19 cases (1 imported case from the USA and 3 cases of local transmission) and 11 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital, including in intensive care, remained the same as the day before.
On Monday, there were 11 new Covid-19 cases (4 imported case from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region & 7 cases of local transmission) and 8 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 8, although there were still no patients in intensive care.
And on Tuesday, there were 8 new Covid-19 cases (3 imported cases – 2 from Ukraine, 1 from Poland & 5 cases of local transmission) and 5 recoveries. The number of patients in hospital increased to 9, none of whom was in intensive care.
There were 73 active cases on Tuesday, of which 17 had been imported while the other 56 cases had been a result of local transmission. As of Tuesday, there had been 11,895 cases, 11,746 recoveries and 76 deaths.
On Tuesday, there were 13 patients in isolation in a dedicated hotel, 51 patients in isolation in their own accommodation and 9 patients in hospital, none of whom was in intensive care.
On the same day, there were 72 suspected cases under epidemiological investigation and analysis, which were all linked to patients who tested positive for Covid-19, to calls made to the SRS24 helpline, to referrals by SESARAM (Madeira Regional Health Service) and to airport screening.
There were 37,657 travellers under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There were also 240 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
As for Covid-19 testing on passengers who had arrived at Funchal and Porto Santo airports, 316,283 samples had been collected until Tuesday (at 15h30).
As for Covid-19 rapid antigen tests, a total of 350,900 tests had been carried out by October 3rd, 276,689 of which as part of mass testing campaigns.
By Tuesday, 659,064 samples from RT-PCR tests had been processed in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The SRS 24 helpline (Regional Health Service – 800 24 24 20) received 302 calls in the last 7 days. Overall, it had received 65,577 calls.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 8 calls in the last 7 days. Overall, it has received 3,901 calls.
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/13/10-novos-casos-de-covid-19-8-recuperados-55-suspeitos/
https://funchalnoticias.net/2021/10/15/regiao-regista-hoje-mais-um-falecimento-com-covid-19/
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/144510/Madeira_regista_mais_uma_morte_por_Covid-19_
Update on regional Covid-19 restrictions
The Government of Autonomous Region of Madeira has moved the Region from a Situation of Calamity to a Situation of Alert. This means there has been a loosening of most Covid-19 restrictions.
The following new rules will be applicable from today until November 30th:
– End of curfew
– Use of face masks – The use of face masks is recommended for citizens older than 6, when entering, walking through or remaining in closed spaces, whenever the recommended social distancing is not possible.
– No restrictions on commercial, industrial and service establishments – applicable for capacity limits and opening hours.
– Looser restrictions on cultural, artistic and sporting events, including conferences:
- If the events take place indoors and more than 100 people are gathered, a negative Covid-19 test (taken 48h before the event) will be required.
- If the events take place outdoors and more than 500 people are gathered, a negative Covid-19 test (taken 48h before the event) will be required.
– Looser restrictions on religious events – the rules on weddings, baptisms, first communions, etc will be similar to those that are applicable for cultural and sporting events:
- If the events take place indoors and more than 100 people are gathered, a negative Covid-19 test (taken 48h before the event) will be required.
- If the events take place outdoors and more than 500 people are gathered, a negative Covid-19 test (taken 48h before the event) will be required.
– Free testing in pharmacies, labs and clinics – the mandatory testing (for indoor events with more than 100 people and outdoor events with more than 500 people) can be taken free of charge in pharmacies, labs, clinics and other places that are signed up to the Regional Government’s mass testing campaign.
– Bars, drinking establishments without events and establishments with dance floors – no restrictions will be applicable. However, all customers must present the EU Digital Covid Certificate and the sanitary rules issued by the health authorities must be complied with.
– Care homes – No restrictions on visits to care homes for the elderly and care homes for children and young people. However, all sanitary rules must be complied with and visitors must present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test that was taken 48h before the visit. There are no limits on the number of visits. The new legislation does not mention how the visit takes places, particularly if there will be a glass screen to ensure physical distancing or restrictions such as a ban on physical contact.
– Changing rooms – no restrictions on the use of changing rooms and showers in sporting facilities. However, since they are common areas with surfaces that are constantly touched, cleaning and disinfection must take place more frequently.
– Travel restrictions remain until November 1st – when entering the Region through airports, ports and marinas. The rules will be changed on the first day of November.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/144462/10_regras_que_mudam_a_partir_da_meia_noite_na_Madeira
Hospitalised Covid-19 patients had not been vaccinated
Pedro Ramos, the Regional Health and Civil Protection Secretary, informed that the 8 Covid-19 patients who were in hospital on Monday had not been vaccinated. The latest Covid-19 fatalities had not been vaccinated against it either. He used these examples as a reminder that the pandemic is not over and it is important to be inoculated against Covid-19.
He also announced that the administration of the 3rd Covid-19 vaccine dose to at-risk groups will be completed by the end of December.
Extended opening hours for Flu and Covid-19 vaccination
Vaccination against Flu and Covid-19 is underway under an open house campaign (modalidade casa aberta). In other words, no booking is required for these vaccination campaigns. The 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is being administered to priority groups aged 60 or older, to people aged 50 or older who had chronic pathologies and to healthcare and civil protection professionals.
In order to make it easier for more people to be inoculated, the opening hours have been extended at the following vaccination centres:
October 20th (TODAY):
Centro de Vacinação do Funchal (Funchal Vaccination Centre) — 09h00-18h00
Centro de Vacinação do Porto Moniz (Porto Moniz Vaccination Centre) — 10h00-15h30
Centro de Vacinação de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Vaccination Centre) — 09h00-18h00
October 21st (Thursday):
Centro de Vacinação do Funchal (Funchal Vaccination Centre) — 09h00-18h00
Centro de Vacinação de Santana (Santana Vaccination Centre) — 09h00-15h00
October 22nd (Friday):
Centro de Vacinação do Funchal (Funchal Vaccination Centre) — 09h00- 18h00
Centro de Vacinação da Ponta do Sol (Ponta do Sol Vaccination Centre) — 12h00-17h00
October 23rd (Saturday):
Centro de Vacinação do Funchal (Funchal Vaccination Centre) — 09h00-18h00
Centro de Vacinação de Câmara de Lobos – (Câmara de Lobos Vaccination Centre) — 09h00-17h00
Centro de Vacinação de Santa Cruz — (Santa Cruz Vaccination Centre) 09h00-17h00
Centro de Vacinação de Machico — (Machico Vaccination Centre) 09h00-16h00
Centro de Vacinação da Ribeira Brava – Centro de Saúde da Ribeira Brava (Ribeira Brava Vaccination Centre – Ribeira Brava Health Centre) — 09h00-12h00
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/144698/Vacinas_da_gripe_e_covid-19_com_horario_alargado_
Madeira hit by dust from Northern Africa
The Regional Health Directorate (Direção Regional da Saúde) has informed that the Madeira archipelago is being hit by dust from Northern Africa.
It advised citizens, particularly those with chronic respiratory illnesses, to take the following precautions: keep doors and windows closed; avoid going out during the hottest periods of the day; avoid physical exercise outdoors; use a face mask if working outdoors; drink water more frequently; comply with the instructions on taking all types of medication.
https://www.jm-madeira.pt/regiao/ver/144929/Madeira_atingida_por_poeiras_do_norte_de_Africa
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. It cannot be postponed and will take place in the following days and places:
FUNCHAL
October 20th – 09h00 to 11h30 (TODAY)
– Caminho do Poço Barral (numbers 11 and 54 to 74)
– Travessa do Tanque (numbers 20 and 22)
October 20th – 09h00 to 11h00 & 14h00 to 16h00 (TODAY)
– Rua Velha da Ajuda (numbers 92 and 94)
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.
There were 37,657 travellers under monitoring by the health authorities. Monitoring is being carried out through the ‘MadeiraSafe’ app. There were also 240 people, who had contact with positive cases, being monitored by the health authorities of several Madeira municipalities and of Porto Santo.
If people wish to purchase medicines over the internet, they should do so through authorized means. In Portugal, only pharmacies and non-prescription drug sales outlets authorized by INFARMED, IP can sell drugs to the public via the internet.
A reminder that although the critical fire period has finished, the fire risk remains high, particularly in the Algarve. The Civil Protection have extended the availability of deployment under Level lll of the operational plan, which was due to expire on 15th October, until the end of this month. This decision is based on weather forecasts showing that the fire risk is higher than usual for this period. So please take care.
On an official visit to Portugal, Hans P. Klüge, himself a physician, recalled that “there are some clinical trials in progress”, but “the evidence is still not robust enough”.
Available data analysed by the Technical Commission on Vaccination against COVID-19 (CTVC), which include the results of the World Health Organization expert group meeting on vaccination, show that there is an acceptable safety profile after taking both vaccines.
The initiative aims to understand and understand the impact of the pandemic on daily routines, well-being, eating habits and behaviours, physical activity, socioeconomic variables and perception of the nutritional status of school-age children (6 to 10 years old) on the European continent.
With the onset of symptoms on the 11th, the contingency plan of the home was activated and people who showed symptoms, as well as close contacts, were tested.
“Basically, this plan makes it possible to identify the basins that present the greatest risk of flooding in the region, and this also makes it possible to define a set of intervention measures in these river basins. In other words, it is the way we must make a diagnosis of which are the most urgent situations in terms of intervention”, he stressed.
The municipality reports in a statement that leaflets and posters with preventive and self-protection information were distributed in various public, commercial and private spaces. “Municipal technicians also left advice on clearing and monitoring rainwater drainage systems and removing aggregates and other objects that could be dragged or create obstacles to the free flow of water, among others”, explains the municipality.
In a statement, DRAP Algarve says it has started this week the distribution of sugar to bee colonies, totalling 8,000 kg, covering a total of 15 beekeepers in the affected areas.
First we look at Romania in Eastern Europe where covid numbers have been on the increase in the past few weeks. For Romania though the main issue is the number of people dying from the virus. The health crisis in Romania has taken a dramatic turn. The coordinator of Romania’s vaccination campaign, Valeriu Gheorghiţă, says that Romania is already in the same scenario as Italy was last year, writes Cristian Gherasim, Bucharest correspondent.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has coordinated and co-financed the delivery of over 190 million items of personal protective and medical equipment, reinforced hospitals with additional medical staff and delivered vaccines and other essential equipment to more than 55 countries. In addition, the EU created a strategic rescEU medical reserve and distribution mechanism under the umbrella of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The reserve enables the swift delivery of medical equipment hosted by Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and The Netherlands.”, the 
Meanwhile across the Atlantic we hear the news that former US Secretary of State , Colin Powell has died of complications due to Covid 19 even though he was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
As has long been the case, there are two paths to herd immunity. One involves a vaccine that is safe, free and effective. The other involves more people getting sick and building natural immunity. The risk with the latter, of course, is that it both increases the chances that the virus will spread in a community and it poses a risk to the infected person. There is a risk, in other words, both to the individual and to the community, both of which are ameliorated through vaccination.
There are up the ten changes coming to effect in the Region at midnight tonight after the resolution approved yesterday by the Government Council confirmed the changes to rules already announced Tuesday. In general, the order is to reopen without restrictions, but keeping recommendations from the health authorities and having a negative test and a digital vaccination certificate to enter major events.
However, in Europe the situation is very different. With over 1 million of the 2.8 million cases worldwide there has been some significant jumps in new cases detected over the past week.
Meanwhile the Government said a further 136 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the UK total to 138,080.
Overall, Russia’s coronavirus task force has registered over 7.8 million confirmed cases and 218,345 deaths — the highest death toll in Europe. Yet the state statistics agency Rosstat, which also counts deaths where the virus wasn’t considered the main cause, has reported a much higher total — about 418,000 deaths of people with COVID-19. If that higher number is used, Russia would be the fourth hardest-hit nation in the world during the pandemic, after the United States, Brazil and India. Even the lower mortality figure only shifts Russia down to fifth place, after Mexico. The Russian government has blamed the sharp rise in infections and deaths that began last month on a slow vaccination rate. Only 47.8 million Russians, or almost 33% of its nearly 146 million people, have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine, and 42.4 million, about 29%, were fully vaccinated, the government said Friday.
In Germany, whilst the number of infections remains stable they are bringing in a number of new rules to combat the virus. The Health authorities are concerned that among people over the age of 60, 3 million remain unvaccinated. Pressure to change that is mounting, yet falling just short of implementing an actual vaccine requirement. Much of public life in Germany now requires proof of test, vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. In some places, only the latter two will do.
The seasons are changing and as Germany approaches winter, social life is moving inside. This increases the risk of infections, which was the case during Germany’s second wave last autumn and winter. Spahn has warned that the vaccination rate is insufficient to guarantee that this won’t happen again.”We best not go too quickly, but step-by-step. So we don’t have to take a step backward,” he said. Epidemiologists like Lange have said that unlike in the United Kingdom, people in Germany should not expect “freedom day,” when all restrictions are lifted, anytime soon.
The Covid-19 mental health helpline (Linha de Acompanhamento Psicológico da Direção Regional de Saúde – 291 212 399 – available every day from 09h00 to 21h00), which was set up to provide emotional and mental support to anyone in Madeira received 37 calls in the last 7 days. Overall, it has received 3,893 calls.
Binter will increase the number of flights from Madeira to the Canary Islands in November. Flights to Tenerife will resume and flights to Gran Canaria will continue. There will be 8 weekly flights to the Canary Islands.