The latest genome sequencing performed by INSA (the public health institute Dr Ricardo Jorge) points to the prevalence of the Delta variant being at around 60% in the Lisbon/ Vale do Tejo region. Elsewhere, areas like the north show only 15% of cases of the Delta strain, while the Alfa (British/ Kent) variant still accounts for roughly 80% of cases. The news is only a snapshot in time: experts predict it won’t be long before the Delta variant becomes the dominant strain in Portugal, due to the fact that it is much more transmissible (as much as 60% more transmissible than other recognised mutations). The Delta variant in itself is not more deadly – but the fact that it moves so quickly through populations translates into higher numbers requiring specialist treatment.
