Coronavirus

Delta variant makes up 45 percent of new Covid cases in Rio

Delta variant makes up 45 percent of new Covid cases in Rio
Rio’s Copacabana Beach. Photo: Renata Xavier/Shutterstock

Health officials in the city of Rio de Janeiro announced an agreement with the Health Ministry to receive vaccine shipments twice weekly from now on. The push aims to control the surge of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant, which accounts for 45 percent of all new Covid-19 infections in the city, according to official estimates. 

This week, Rio received 75,000 Pfizer vaccines and another 40,000 CoronaVac doses. Another delivery is scheduled for Friday.

According to health authorities, more deliveries and faster vaccine distribution are essential to avoid suspending the city’s immunization schedule. By current estimates, Rio de Janeiro hopes to have given its entire adult population a first dose as of August 18.