Regional Headquarters for Combating the Spread of COVID-19: The outpatient and polyclinic sector is being strengthened in Vitebsk and the region, and mask-wearing is recommended
– Today, there are many patients with coronavirus infection who do not have pneumonia or any clinical manifestations at all; they do not require hospitalization and are undergoing outpatient treatment. We must monitor the dynamics of their condition in order not to miss a deterioration in their well-being and to take timely measures. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen the work of the outpatient and polyclinic link, including its staffing. In this regard, a decision was made to introduce 25 additional positions in Vitebsk polyclinics for home visits to such patients, which will be filled by senior students of our university. About 30 students are already working in call centers, calling first-level contacts who are in self-isolation. In addition, in the coming days, several student medical teams will be sent to Orsha, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk; the students will lend a hand to their senior colleagues in polyclinics and hospitals. A reserve of another 50 people willing to help during this challenging period for healthcare has been formed. Also, to strengthen the polyclinic service, an additional 15 vehicles will be transferred by decision of the regional headquarters, – says Anatoly Tadeuszevich.
Currently, the incidence rate in the region has not yet exceeded 80% of the peak of the spring COVID-19 wave, but further growth cannot be ruled out. In addition, an increase in coronavirus infection is observed against the backdrop of seasonal ARVI, traditional for the autumn period. Most of the hospitals in Vitebsk have returned to infectious disease mode after a summer break. The regional cardiology center, oncology dispensary, and hospital continue to provide specialized care, with the exception of the nephrology department.
– To date, the bed capacity used for providing care to patients with coronavirus infection is sufficient. Moreover, this week, the number of patients admitted to hospitals with pneumonia in Vitebsk institutions was less than the number discharged. This is a good reserve that allows us to free up beds for new patients. But we are ready for any development of the situation and monitor the dynamics of the epidemiological process. If necessary, additional medical institutions with oxygen support and trained personnel for providing appropriate care will be repurposed, – says Anatoly Shchastny.
The epidemiological situation can be influenced today by the mask regime. By decision of the regional headquarters, wearing masks should be mandatory for both employees and visitors in retail outlets, public transport, pharmacies, and other premises where crowds are expected.
According to medical professionals, a mask is one of the factors that can block the path of coronavirus infection. This recommendation to the population is based on evidence from studies by foreign scientists. The probability of infection from one person to another decreases by 70% if both are wearing masks. Moreover, this is when the patient coughs, and during normal breathing, the risks are even lower.
The legislative framework in our country currently does not provide for administrative responsibility for violating the mask regime, however, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the main measure should still be personal responsibility for one's own health and the health of those around.