Manel Balcells, Minister of Health, sent a message of reassurance to all of Catalonia at the end of 2022, regarding the situation of Covid in the region. All as a result of the alert generated by the increase of cases in China.
Balcells indicated that no new variant has appeared in the tests performed so far. However, he warned that it was necessary to remain alert and vigilant.
He also informed that as of January 9, 2023, when China opens its borders, antigen tests will be carried out on travelers coming on flights from this country.
If the antigen test is positive, a PCR will be performed. If also positive, sequencing will be performed.
Despite these warnings, the Conseller assured that covid is under control in Catalonia and there is no reason for alert.
Conseller de Salut gives a reassuring report on Covid alert
And he argues that there is peace of mind thanks to the level of immunization in Catalonia and the country in general.
The Government has also been explaining that they will continue to be “vigilant” to check for the appearance of a new variant that could be more aggressive than those already identified.
The advantage is that despite the recent outbreak of Covid in China, no other new variant has been detected so far.
This fact, according to Balcells, means “a certain peace of mind”.
Although it has been said that antigen tests will be carried out at the airport for travelers coming from China without full vaccination, the Govern insists that the most appropriate thing to do is to test all travelers.
Everyone, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, and this is due to the fact that other types of vaccines have been used in China.
Manel Balcells stated that these vaccines are different and are not adapted to Omicron. Therefore, it would be best and most opportune to test all travelers for antigens.
Conseller de Salut: measures for Catalonia
The head of Health reported that Catalonia decided to carry out its own monitoring from its epidemiological surveillance system.
In view of this, it will assume the sequencing of the samples taken at El Prat airport, most likely at the Bellvitge University Hospital.
In the hypothetical case that a variant is detected, Salut will immediately recommend “isolation”, since it does not have the authority to “demand it”.
If presented, the ministry would have the legislative capacity to be able to do so.
Likewise, Salut has been calling for European coordination for the performance of tests and application of protocols.
All because China will open its borders on January 8 and it is estimated that during the first month of the year, 15 to 16 direct flights will arrive in Spain at El Prat or Madrid-Barajas Airport.
