Positivity rate in Covid tests has increased sharply in Rio, says Eduardo Paes.

Brazil Agency – Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said today (30) that the percentage of positive Covid-19 results in tests carried out last week has increased in the capital. According to the numbers he received last night, the rate rose to 5,5% and was previously at 0,77%.

According to the mayor, the important thing in this situation is to check the evolution of the curve that has already been noticed by the population and has been confirmed in testing.

“We had a COVID-19 positivity rate of 0,77%. The rate rose to 5,5% last week. We've seen 80% before, but the important thing isn't the number, the important thing is the curve we've seen in the last week. This is what we're feeling and hearing people around us say, and we're starting to see it reflected in the testing as well,” he stated, after participating in the reopening of the Golfe Olímpico station in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio's west zone, which is the 46th station renovated since the beginning of this administration in January. The station had been closed since March 2020 and was destroyed by a fire in April of this year.

According to Eduardo Paes, it is possible that Rio will register an increase in cases of the disease in the city, but he added that there is still no impact on the number of hospitalizations.

"It seems inevitable, and we're monitoring it, but we should certainly expect a significant increase in Covid cases. This hasn't yet manifested in hospitalizations or more serious problems, but we are prepared for it and mobilized," he said.

According to the mayor, there is no longer room for new restrictions, so he asked the population to remain vigilant and protect themselves, especially from gatherings.

People are always asking me about the New Year's Eve "In Copacabana. That's what worries me the least. What worries me much more are the parties people have in enclosed spaces, families getting together now on December 31st. These are generally places where transmission is much more intense. So, anyone with flu symptoms should get tested. If you have any symptoms and haven't been able to get tested, you should avoid contact with many people in enclosed spaces. People should protect themselves, take care of themselves, and we will monitor and hope that, first, people get vaccinated. Those who haven't yet received their booster dose should do so as soon as possible and, above all, that people understand that this is a disease that is out there and we need to take all precautions," said the mayor.