COVID-19 Observatory warns for a critical health situation in Brazil

In an extraordinary edition of its Bulletin, the Covid-19 Fiocruz Observatory publishes an updated of the historical series on the occupation of COVID-19 ICU beds for adults in the Brazilian Health System (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym), with data obtained on Monday (8/3). The analysis presents rates verified since July 17th, 2020, and aims to alert to the critical scenario of the country. Check out the full document (in Portuguese).

According to the Bulletin, of the total of 27 capitals of the country, 25 have occupancy rates of COVID-19 ICU beds for adults equal to or greater than 80%, 15 of them higher than 90%. "Although Pará leaving the critical alert zone to the intermediate zone (with the indicator dropping from 82% to 75% in the last week) may leave a visual impression of improvement in the overall picture, it is important to emphasize that the exact opposite was observed, with the indicator growth in almost all states and in the Federal District, and the entry of the states of São Paulo and Sergipe in the critical zone", the document highlights. 

In the face of the extremely critical situation of COVID-19 ICU bed occupancy rates, which indicates an overload and even a collapse in the health system, the researchers reinforce the need of expanding and strengthening non-pharmacological measures involving physical and social distancing, use of masks and hand hygiene. "In municipalities and states that are already near to or in a situation of collapse, the analysis highlights the need of adopting more tighter supression measures to restrict the circulation and the non-essential activities. In addition, the reinforcement of primary care and surveillance actions is required, which include timely testing of suspected cases and their contacts," they state.