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Despite reports of a possible stabilisation in the curve of new cases, data in the Region of Murcia indicate that, since last Sunday January 9, the number of new Covid infections has risen by around 33%.

 

The incidence rate is also on the rise (40% increase in the past week), but at a much slower rate than over Christmas and New Year, raising hopes that the peak of the sixth wave could finally be upon us. During a press conference on Monday January 17, the Minister of Health stated that more time was needed to confirm if the current wave was indeed slowing down, but pointed out that recent data were indeed heading in the right direction.

 

 

For the first time in several days, the Region reported fewer than 3,000 new cases. However, it is important to note that the 2,395 cases reported in the latest update correspond with a Sunday, when fewer tests are usually carried out.

 

See also: No-appointment Covid testing points in the Region of Murcia until January 23

 

 

The number of active cases has risen by more than 5,000 over the weekend, jumping from 38,384 in Friday’s update to 45,122 on Monday. Of the over 45,000 confirmed positive cases, 44,551 are in self-isolation at home.

 

 

A further 20 Covid patients have been admitted into the Region’s hospitals since the previous update, meaning that the current figure stands at 571, of whom 84 are in intensive care, five fewer than on Friday. According to the Minister of Health in Murcia, 70% of patients in intensive care units with coronavirus have not been vaccinated.

 

 

Over the weekend, 11 people lost their lives to the virus, including the 63-year-old Mayor of Totana on Sunday January 16. These recent fatalities bring the death toll in the Region up to 1,900.

 

 

The most recent 14-day cumulative incidence rate indicated by MurciaSalud health service is 5,985 cases per 100,000 inhabitants while the 7-day rate stands at less than half of this figure: 1,898 per 100,000 residents.

 

This large difference between the two-week and one-week incidence rates could indicate that the sixth wave is finally slowing down and that the Region could see the curve begin to plateau or even decrease in the next week.

 

Young adults aged 20 to 29 still have the highest 14-day incidence rate in Murcia (8,526.1), but teens aged between 13 and 19 have overtaken them in terms of the 7-day incidence rate (3,978.2).

 

 

Booster jab appointments are currently open to over 40s and, as of Monday January 17, over 50s don’t require a prior appointment to receive their third dose.

 

You may also be interested in…

• What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19?
• How to obtain a Covid passport in Murcia
• How to renew a Covid passport in Murcia
• Book a Covid vaccine or booster shot in Murcia

 

Image: MurciaSalud