[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As the Omicron variant spreads, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Brazil has surpassed 2 million.
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health on the 27th (local time), the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients currently stands at approximately 2,041,500. Marcelo Queiroga, the Minister of Health, stated at a press conference that "As the Omicron variant spreads, the public health system is under unprecedented pressure," and added that they will work to increase the vaccination completion rate, which is currently close to 70%, as quickly as possible in response.
Local governments across Brazil are taking measures such as increasing hospital beds through emergency orders and requesting cooperation from private hospitals. The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a scientific and public health research institution, reported that in more than 10 of the 27 state capitals nationwide, the occupancy rate of intensive care unit beds has exceeded 80%, and the capital Bras?lia is already saturated.
With the rapid spread, vaccination efforts are also being accelerated. As of today, Brazil has administered over 351 million vaccine doses, with more than 151 million people having completed their vaccination. Approximately 36.3 million people have also received booster shots.
As of today, Brazil's cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed cases has increased by 228,954 from the previous day, reaching 24,764,838. The cumulative death toll from COVID-19 has reached 625,085, an increase of 672 from the previous day.
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