The Vitebsk Regional Health Department spoke about the readiness to meet the possible second wave of COVID-19
– This dynamic in the autumn period was predictable and was due to the end of the vacation period, the beginning of the academic and working year, and an increase in population density in cities. There is no significant increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection among the region's residents associated with travel to other countries. The infection predominantly occurs in mild and moderate forms, – said Mikhail Leontievich.
Currently, hospitalization of COVID patients, including those with pneumonia, is carried out in infectious disease hospitals and departments of hospitals based on clinical indications. Assistance to residents of the region with severe disease is concentrated in the regional infectious disease hospital. Hospitals used during the seasonal surge are now operating as usual.
– Given the experience gained, we can say that we are ready for a possible second wave. The healthcare system has a sufficient bed capacity, equipment, and trained medical personnel. There is experience in repurposing medical facilities. In each hospital, additional beds are planned to be deployed if necessary, and lists of departments and positions have been developed to ensure medical care for patients with COVID-19, and in case of an increase in incidence, the facility or individual structural units will be repurposed, – emphasized the head of the regional healthcare department.
In addition, healthcare facilities, hygiene and epidemiology centers of the region are carrying out work on organizing medical care and sanitary and anti-epidemic measures during the inter-epidemic period. Preparations have also been made for functioning during the period of increased incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19.
The flu vaccination campaign will start soon. There is a body of scientific evidence suggesting that the vaccine may have a positive effect in preventing COVID-19. Vaccination with modern adjuvant vaccines not only leads to the formation of specific antibodies against influenza virus strains but also to the early activation of cellular mechanisms of antiviral immune response, resulting in a decrease in the incidence of influenza, ARVI, and, apparently, coronavirus infection.
Medical professionals also remind the public that it is still important not to neglect individual preventive measures. These include, first and foremost, social distancing, wearing a mask in crowded places, regular use of antiseptic hand sanitizers, and observing respiratory etiquette.
In the region, stationary medical rehabilitation for patients after pneumonia associated with COVID-19 infection continues. Currently, it is carried out by branch No. 1 "Krupеnino" of the regional diagnostic center and the regional hospital for veterans of the Great Patriotic War "Yurtsevo". As of early September, about 800 people have undergone inpatient rehabilitation. Doctors also help patients recover from "covid" on an outpatient basis in all medical institutions of the region.