The rt index continues to rise, but the beds are below the critical threshold – Corriere.it

The Covid epidemic in Italy remains serious due to a high impact on wellness services. The draft of the monitoring of the ISS-Ministry of Health referred to the week 21-27 of December highlights this.
The contagion rate of Rt in Italy continues to increase, which increases from 0.90 to 0.93: the third consecutive week of increase.
Three regions (Veneto 1.07, Liguria 1.07, Calabria 1.09) have a punctual Rt greater than 1, therefore compatible with a type 2 scenario (that is, a situation of sustained and generalized transmissibility but manageable by the health system in the short and medium term), three others (Basilicata 1.09 Lombardy 1 and Puglia 1) exceed it in the average value, and others three close (Emilia Romagna 0.98, Friuli Venezia Giulia 0.96 and Marche 0.99). In general, there are therefore six regions that exceed the value 1.

Bed occupancy below the critical threshold

In the last week, the monitoring draft says: there is a general decrease in the impact of the epidemic on health services, with the occupancy rates of ICU beds and medical areas below the critical threshold at the national level for the first time . time since the end of October. Unfortunately, this still does not apply to ten regions that, according to the draft, have an employment rate in intensive care and / or medical areas above the critical threshold. Overall, the number of people admitted to intensive care decreased slightly from 2,731 (data from 12/21/2020) to 2,565 (data from 12/28/2020); Likewise, the number of people hospitalized in medical areas decreased from 25,145 (data from 12/21/2020) to 23,932 (data from 12/28/2020). This trend at the national level underlies strong interregional variations.

Concern about infections during the holidays

The report also expresses concern about the consequences, in terms of contagion, of increased sociability during the holidays. complex to predict the impact that the Christmas period could have, however, the increased mobility and interpersonal interaction typical of sociality this season could determine a significant increase in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 – this would lead to a consequent rapid increase in cases levels potentially higher than those observed in November in a context in which the impact of the epidemic on health professionals, services and the population remains significantly high.

Maintain rigor

Therefore, the document concludes with an invitation to comply with the restrictive rules on distancing. Therefore, the need to maintain the drastic reduction of physical interactions between people is confirmed. It is essential that the population avoid all occasions of contact with people outside their own home that are not strictly necessary and that they stay at home as long as possible. We remind you that it is mandatory to adopt rigorous individual behaviors and respect current sanitary measures regarding the spacing and correct use of masks. The need to comply with the measures recommended by the health authorities is reiterated, including quarantine measures for close contacts in established cases and for the isolation of cases.