The epidemiological situation and the progress of COVID-19 vaccination in the Vitebsk region were discussed at a session of the regional Council of Deputies

Currently, the incidence of coronavirus infection in the Vitebsk region is slightly decreasing, however, the emergence of the Indian strain of the virus requires mobilizing all resources and increasing vaccination rates for a comprehensive fight against COVID-19. In this regard, the issue of healthcare organization during the period of infection spread has been put on the agenda of the next session of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies as a priority.

Mikhail Vishnevetsky, Head of the Main Department of Healthcare of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, reported that 10% of the region's hospital beds are currently used for treating coronavirus infection in inpatient settings (for comparison, at the peak of the incidence, 40% of beds were allocated for these purposes). Currently, 1.2 thousand beds have been repurposed, of which about 400 are in the regional center. In Vitebsk, such patients are currently admitted to the regional infectious disease hospital, the therapeutic department of the Vitebsk City Emergency Hospital, and the regional center for pulmonology and phthisiology.

Due to the decrease in incidence, district hospitals (among the recent ones are Tolochin and Verkhnedvinsk Central Regional Hospitals) are gradually abandoning the infectious disease regime, and isolated cases are now transferred to regional institutions or inter-district centers, which continue to treat patients with COVID-19.

– Currently, the incidence in the region is slightly decreasing, but we see what is happening in Russia, so an increase in new cases is likely to be expected here as well, – said Mikhail Leontievich. – In this regard, I would like to urge the population to observe the mask regime, which has not been canceled. Vaccination is underway in the region, and we will increase its pace. Everyone should approach the situation with understanding, not wait for something to happen to their loved ones, but be prepared for vaccination themselves, so that we achieve herd immunity in the region.

According to Vladimir Sinkevich, Chief Physician of the Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, an almost 100% vaccination coverage of individuals residing in the region's boarding facilities has been achieved, exceeding the set target. 72% of medical and pharmaceutical workers have been vaccinated, and 63% of social service workers. Of particular concern is the low percentage of vaccinated individuals among education and culture workers, specifically 28% and 7% respectively. Regarding educators, it is crucial to reach the necessary vaccination level before the start of the new academic year, or even earlier. Efforts are underway to vaccinate the elderly aged 61 and older, with 14% vaccinated so far.

– In total, 8.5% of the population in the Vitebsk region has been vaccinated. If we consider the post-infection and post-vaccination immunity formed among the region's population to date, preliminary data suggests it is around 47%, however, this is insufficient. To ensure herd immunity, this figure must be at least 60%, – stated Vladimir Sinkevich.

Meanwhile, he reminded that vaccination against COVID-19 provides an immunity that is one and a half to two times higher than after recovering from the infection.

The Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the region also noted the low immunization rates in the regional center, Novopolotsk, Polotsk and Vitebsk districts, despite the availability of vaccines and conditions for conducting the campaign. In contrast, Sharkovshchina and Orsha districts can be set as examples. For instance, in Sharkovshchina, 11% of the population has been vaccinated against coronavirus infection, which is one of the best indicators in the region.

– The experience of Sharkovshchina shows that the chief physician of the hospital, the sanitary-epidemiological service, the district council of deputies, and the district executive committee are working together, – emphasized Vladimir Terentyev, addressing the deputies, – Together, we must reach everyone, persuade and explain the necessity of vaccination, including by personal example.

The head of the regional council also called on public associations, including trade unions, which have a wide network of primary organizations, to actively join the information and awareness campaign.

To ensure the success of the vaccination campaign in the region, Vladimir Terentyev urged local authorities to involve deputy chairpersons of city and district executive committees for social affairs, and Councils of Deputies, rather than placing the entire burden solely on medical professionals.

– The Vitebsk region has withstood the blow of the first wave of coronavirus infection with dignity. It has withstood the challenges of the second wave in a balanced and calm manner. All the best that has been developed is being applied today – the mechanisms of interaction between authorities and all services, the implementation of a set of sanitary and anti-epidemic measures, the refined logistics of patient treatment, rehabilitation and preventive measures, – said Vladimir Vladimirovich. – However, there is no reason for complacency. New strains are emerging in the world, the pandemic continues. Therefore, we need to constantly analyze the developing epidemiological situation and promptly make the necessary decisions to counteract the spread of infection in the region, and continue to implement comprehensive, balanced, and coordinated measures.