In all regional centers of Belarus and in the capital of the Republic, foci of COVID-2019 infection have been identified. Coronavirus was detected in Gomel: it was discovered in the region at the end of March this year. Since the epidemic came to the region relatively late, there was time to prepare. Will the hospitals be able to take in all the infected, and the authorities to ensure the containment of the virus?
How many people are infected with coronavirus in Gomel
As of April 9, 2020, a total of 36 patients with a positive COVID-2019 test were diagnosed in the Gomel region. The first case of coronavirus in Gomel was recorded and confirmed on March 22. Since then, the growth rate has been weak, with 3 new cases in the last 24 hours. Places for keeping the infected have also been determined: Gomel regional "infectious disease".
Such a low number of coronavirus cases in Gomel causes concern among citizens. After all, the region borders on Russia, but there are no checkpoints at the exit. It is from this state that infected people have recently arrived in the Republic of Belarus. By law, they must undergo a 2-week isolation, but not everyone does this.
In the Republic of Belarus, SIVital has developed and certified rapid tests for COVID-2019. Its cost is several times lower than its imported counterparts (about $5 versus $30). Test systems were ordered by a number of states: Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia.
In Belarus, where as of April 9, 2020, about 1.5 cases and 16 deaths from COVID-19 were recorded, there is no total quarantine. Only hospitalization with suspicion is carried out, as well as epidemiological investigations of those who have been in contact with patients. The growth rate of the incidence is much higher than the global one: about 20-30 percent per day, against 8-10% on average on the planet.
Quarantine measures in Gomel
In Belarus, decisions to combat the disease are made centrally. Therefore, quarantine was not introduced in Gomel: enterprises and shops are not closed, truckers arrive from abroad. The authorities explain such measures with fears for the economy, because total isolation will lead to an increase in unemployment and production shutdowns.
Measures taken to minimize possible risks:
- Mandatory two-week isolation for all who have returned from abroad;
- Transit travel of truckers - only on certain routes, with refueling at individual gas stations;
- It is recommended not to hold mass events: theaters, circles are closed, exhibitions are cancelled;
- A ban on visits to hospitals by relatives has been introduced, and parcels are accepted only contactless;
- The work of hookah bars is temporarily prohibited, the distance between tables has been increased in cafes and restaurants.
Quarantine in the Gomel hospital and the purchase of protective equipment made it possible to avoid the Vitebsk scenario, where dozens of doctors were infected. Consciousness is also shown by citizens, trying to avoid crowded places, public transport.
The spread of COVID-2019 in the Republic of Belarus is compared by many with the Italian scenario, since in this country doctors played an active role in the dynamics of the infection. According to the same scheme, in the Vitebsk region, up to a hundred doctors were infected and "spread" the virus further. To avoid such a scenario, new standards for working with patients have been introduced in medical institutions: full protection for all levels of workers.
What's going on in the city's hospitals
As of April 9, 2020, there is no hype in medical institutions. Elective surgeries have been cancelled, and it is recommended not to visit a doctor unless absolutely necessary. Those who have returned to their homeland from Italy, Spain, Russia, have signs of SARS, must be tested for coronavirus. For this, an ambulance brigade can be called, which arrives with the necessary equipment.
The situation with the coronavirus in Gomel is quite calm, but a number of hospitals have been put on high alert. Helping doctors and medical workers organized a business: free meals, support with consumables. As far as we know, not a single patient in the Gomel region is in a serious condition, but there are several hundred beds equipped with temporary detention facilities.
Despite the fact that quarantine was not introduced in schools, the holidays were extended to the first week of April. Elective surgeries for children have been canceled, surgical interventions are performed only for emergency indications.
Where to get tested for coronavirus in Gomel
It is impossible to freely test for coronavirus in Gomel: this requires certain indications. These include first-level contact and returns from epidemiologically unfavorable regions. Those who suspect the presence of an infection with a high degree of probability are advised to call a brigade at home. To do this, just call "103".
Thus, in the coming days, both Gomel and the whole of Belarus will face a denouement. If the measures taken prove insufficient, the country will face an explosive increase in the number of infected people. Consequently, the health care system may not be ready for such an influx. Or the policy of the authorities will turn out to be correct, and the number of diagnosed cases will decrease.