Following the review of the latest epidemiological report in the weekly Governing Council meeting this afternoon (Thursday), following two days of record numbers of new infections in the islands, the highest since the pandemic began, the vice president of the Government, Antonio Olivera led the press conference.
He reported that the Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are 78 cases of the Omicron variant confirmed in the archipelago, 65 of which are in Tenerife, and more suspected samples are being sequenced, before announcing that Tenerife and Gran Canaria are moving into Level 3 with Fuerteventura, and that La Palma is moving into Level 2. The rest of the islands are staying at Level 1
This change comes into effect tomorrow night (Friday) at midnight, i.e. 00.00H on Saturday, to make the change as soon as possible to curb the spread of the virus.
Olivera also announced that the Government will request judicial ratification for the presentation of the Covid Certificate to be mandatory and not voluntary as it is now. Additionally, Christmas events will be cancelled in all educational centres.
"Today's data is the highest since the pandemic began. The government has maximum concern about the current situation," said Olivera before announcing the changes in level.
He highlighted the seriousness in the case of Tenerife with the thousand cases notified today (Thursday). "Not only is today's data high, but yesterday (Wednesday) was also very high," he said.
He linked this increase in infections with a greater increase in mobility due to bank holidays, with more days and social encounters, and that a large portion of the population are ignoring restrictions, after months of compliance, combined with the presence of the Omicron variant that is more contagious." It seems that the circulation of this variant now has a greater presence in Tenerife, which together with is increasing infections," he explained.
Olivera stressed that the virus is spreading more among those have not been fully vaccinated. “In last few days it has been growing significantly in the age group from 20 to 29, which do not have good vaccination rates. It has nothing to do with imported cases or tourists."
