Omicron continues to multiply infections: Tuesday 11 January recorded the absolute record for new cases (220 thousand in 24 hours) with 294 victims representing the peak of the so-called fourth wave. Numbers that raise the alarm again but which, if compared with a previous period of the pandemic, can help to make some considerations on the characteristics of the latest coronavirus variant and on the shield guaranteed by vaccines. Due to the enormous growth of infections (+750%) corresponds to a decrease in deaths: -61%.
The Omicron Race
The last two weeks have shown with great evidence the ability of this strain to propagate quickly: dal December 27 all’January 11 the new posts in Italy have exceeded the overall quota of two million. An impressive step if you consider that in the same period, a year ago, the number of infected people was just under 250mila. Anti-Covid prophylaxis (masks, spacing, reduction of gatherings and vaccines) seems to be able to do little in the face of the spread of a variant that is easily transmitted: on 14,792 millions of tampons made after Christmas, the 14,3% gave a positive result (a year ago the rate was 12,5%).
The reduction of mortality
The vaccination rate is higher than in the past holiday season (currently almost 90% of the population over 12 received at least one administration) but the effectiveness of the vaccines decreases over time as none of those administered is specific against Omicron (but also Delta, currently the two most widespread variants). Although not complete, it nevertheless remains a very important protection because anti-Covid preparations help to avoid the severe form of the disease. In the last 15 days the victims have been just under three thousand (2.948). In the corresponding period a year ago they had been 7.576. A decline in the 61%.