Belarus is one of the few countries in the whole world where quarantine has not been introduced today, borders and airports have not been closed, cafes and restaurants are open. How does this affect the spread of COVID-2019 infection in a neighboring country? What is the coronavirus situation in Grodno and are there any signs of panic?
How many people are infected with coronavirus in Grodno
As of April 9, 2020, the number of infected people in the region reached 28 people, the increase per day was 17 patients. Several hundred people are under preventive supervision, some of them are hospitalized. In all of Belarus on the same date - 1486 detected cases, 16 of which ended in death. Only 139 people have recovered, the peak of the epidemic is expected in early May 2020.
Belarus and Sweden are the only countries in Europe where quarantine measures have not been taken. Great Britain, which also initially followed this path, which eventually cost the lives of several thousand people.
The situation in Belarus looks calm, although a week ago about 70% of the inhabitants supported total quarantine. However, the number of supporters of tough measures is decreasing, observing their ineffectiveness in neighboring Russia. The first case in the Grodno region was registered only at the end of March, although several hundred beds have been allocated for potential patients.
Quarantine measures in the city
The effectiveness of total isolation and reduced social contacts has been proven all over the world. However, quarantine was not introduced in Grodno, although certain steps are being taken to contain the infection. They are similar to those introduced in other cities of Belarus:
- Most public events have been canceled: concerts, performances, exhibitions;
- The activities of circles and sections, the work of driving schools have been suspended;
- Security requirements at enterprises have been increased: dispensers with antiseptics are installed everywhere, cashiers work in gloves and masks;
- Persons arriving from abroad must go into voluntary quarantine for 14 days;
- International drivers can only stop at certain gas stations, eat and rest in strictly designated places.
A sharp increase in the number of deaths from COVID-19 in Belarus was noted in April. If on March 31 one dead was officially recognized, then on April 9 - 16 people. There was a surge in people connected to mechanical ventilation - 55 patients (almost a two-fold increase per day).
Classes in schools are not canceled, but parents are allowed not to let their children go to school. Kindergartens also work, and increased attention is paid to the elderly. They are urged to stay at home, at the first sign of infection - to take a test for coronavirus. Cases of illness were noted when children and grandchildren from Minsk, the least prosperous city in epidemiological terms, came to visit elderly relatives.
Where to get tested for coronavirus in Grodno
Coronavirus in Grodno is treated only in the infectious diseases hospital. At the same time, it is possible to take an analysis both in the district clinic and at home, but this requires evidence. First of all, they will force them to take a coronavirus test in Grodno, they will force those who have returned from abroad and feel signs of illness.
Earlier, a resident of the regional center, who returned from Spain, passed a test for COVID - it showed a positive result. Two more young people were found to have the virus after they returned from Sweden, the same one where quarantine is also not in effect. The statistics of the Ministry of Health of Belarus raises questions: it is noted that some figures do not converge.
Those who have suspected coronavirus in Grodno need to urgently call an ambulance. A special team in protective suits will take smears and be able to give the result within 24 hours. On April 9, 2020, the Ministry of Health announced that first-level contacts will not be hospitalized. In the absence of symptoms, patients are waiting for home isolation, while you can get a sick leave for work.