With the increase in hospitalizations due to Covid-19, will wearing a mask become mandatory again?

The significant increase in hospitalizations for Covid-19 in private hospitals in São Paulo, both in infirmary beds and in ICUs (Intensive Care Units), it has been a source of concern for the population in recent days.

According to a survey carried out by SindHosp (Union of Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories of the State of São Paulo) and recently published in Folha de S.Paulo, the situation is once again worrying.

In addition to São Pauloother states, such as Santa Catarina and Paraná, also report an increase in cases of the disease.

Hospitalizations due to covid-19 soar

The 76% increase in Covid hospitalizations in private hospitals in São Paulo is an alarming sign of the seriousness of the situation. The pressure on the health system It is evident and it is essential that the population is aware of the measures to be adopted to protect themselves and others.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and/or runny nose, which are characteristic of the disease, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Even before confirming the diagnosis, it is important to avoid physical contact with other people, including family members. The elderly and people with chronic illnesses must take extra care.

According to guidelines from the Ministry of Health, if you tested positive for Covid-19 through laboratory or clinical examination, or you have not yet collected the sample, it is essential to begin home respiratory isolation immediately.

The duration of isolation may vary, but in general it can be lifted on the 7th full day from the onset of symptoms, as long as you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of medication) and have no respiratory symptoms .

If you take a test and the result is negative, isolation can be lifted on the fifth full day from the onset of symptoms, as long as there is no fever and you do not have respiratory symptoms.

It is essential to emphasize that, in both cases, the protective mask must be used until the tenth full day after the onset of symptoms.

Will the use of masks become mandatory again?

To date, although the use of a mask has not been officially required by the federal government, its use is recommended if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.

It should be used from the onset of symptoms, both at home and in public places, if this is your case.

Here, it is important to remember that the ideal models are masks surgical or PFF2/N95. The most appropriate thing is to avoid contact with other people, especially those who have risk factors for the disease.

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Furthermore, crowds should be avoided, places where it is not possible to keep a mask on at all times, such as restaurants and bars, and trips that are not essential.

The main way to prevent serious forms of Covid-19 is vaccination. Furthermore, it is important to limit close contact with infected people. Maintain at least one meter of distance between people in public places and ventilate closed spaces to reduce transmission.

Frequent hand hygiene with 70% alcohol or soap and water is essential to prevent the transmission of not only Covid-19, but other diseases.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth and discard the used tissue. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially if your hands are not clean.

Given the increase in hospitalizations for Covid-19, it is essential that everyone does their part to contain the spread of the virus. virus and protect themselves and others.

After all, this spike in Covid-19 hospitalizations in São Paulo and other states is a sign that the pandemic is still present. Prevention and care are essential to face this new wave of the disease.