Spanish
The Deputy Minister of Collective Health, Dr. Eladio Pérez, explained that this variant does not represent a cause for alarm and assured that the country maintains all epidemiological surveillance protocols active at entry points and health centers.
“We shouldn't worry excessively. We have the diagnostic capacity and the necessary experience to handle this and any other variant of the virus,” Pérez stated, highlighting that the clinical response remains the same for all strains detected so far.
The official recommended that people with at-risk conditions, such as immunocompromised patients, continue with basic preventive measures such as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, frequent hand washing, and timely medical attention if they present symptoms. He indicated that factors such as vaccination, acquired immunity, and prior exposure remain key to reducing the impact of the virus on the population. Although this new strain could have a greater transmission capacity, it has not been shown to be more aggressive than previous ones. Pérez reiterated that the Ministry has free antigen and PCR tests available through the country's health centers. In addition, a fixed testing site remains open in Inaguja, behind the Ministry's headquarters, open Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.Saharan Dust Alert
In other news, the Ministry is also monitoring respiratory conditions, especially with the arrival of Saharan dust in the national territory.Doctor Perez warned that this cloud of particles can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, cough, congestion, and itchy throat, especially in people with allergic conditions, who could confuse them with respiratory infections.
Although it is usually not serious, he recommended seeing a doctor if the symptoms worsen or persist, as these environmental factors can increase consultations for respiratory conditions.
