Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 10th August 2022
By Daniel Fernandes
Covid-19 vaccination update
By August 5th, more than 2,000 people (mostly aged 80 or older) had been inoculated with the 4th dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The 4th dose of the Covid-19 dose is currently being administered in health centres to those aged 18 or older. Pedro Ramos, Madeira’s Regional and Civil Protection Health Secretary, encouraged residents to be vaccinated with the 4th dose in order to be better protected during the Winter. He reinforced this by pointing out that the use face masks is unlikely to be mandatory this winter, in what will be “a big test to the world population in the post-Covid era.”
Demand for the 4th dose of Covid-19 vaccine was so high at Bom Jesus Health Centre (Centro de Saúde do Bom Jesus) on August 6th that 270 doses had been administered in the morning. This was a higher than average figure. This unexpected demand led to a slightly higher waiting times, which meant the number members of staff to be increased. After this, the waiting times were reduced.
Death of 8 year-old girl at Rali Vinho da Madeira
An 8 year-old girl was killed on Saturday after being hit by a rally car during the famous Rali Vinho da Madeira race. An investigation is underway. This unfortunate death is a reminder of the need to be vigilant when attending rally races. It is also important not to attempt to cross the road during rally races.
Servicemen from Madeira Military Zone back from forest fire watch in Algarve
Servicemen from the Madeira Military Zone (Zona Militar da Madeira) returned to the Region on August 7th after a month-long deployment in July to the Algarve region. The 20 servicemen were deployed as part of the Army’s Emergency Military Support Plan (Plano de Apoio Militar de Emergência do Exército). They carried out forest fire patrols in order to protect the forests, and prevent and detect forest fires. More than 6,700 km were covered in the municipalities of Tavira, Monchique, Loulé and São Brás de Alportel, as part of agreements established between the Army and these municipalities. The Army carries out similar patrols in 12 districts in mainland Portugal.
More than 1,200 youngsters received first-aid training
More than 1,200 youngsters have received first-aid training in the Region, through 60 training courses administered since 2004. A new first-aid course for youngsters aged 16 to 25 is currently underway at the Madeira Health Service. This course is the second of 3 courses being provided in August. Each course is attended by an average of 20 youngsters. There are usually 3 courses per year. There was considerable demand for them.
Herberto Jesus, the Regional Director of Health, highlighted the importance of this type of training in saving lives and preventing “avoidable deaths”, and said most people should have some knowledge on administering first-aid, poisoning, stroke symptoms, what to do in case of heart attack, etc. He also pointed out there have been more individuals and organisations such as schools requesting first-aid training.