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Belarus’ healthcare ministry explains its coronavirus containment strategy
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MINSK, 16 March (BelTA) – The Belarusian Healthcare Ministry has substantiated its coronavirus containment measures in its Telegram channel, BelTA has learned.
According to the Healthcare Ministry, it is doubtful that the decision to shut down the Belarusian border could reliably prevent the import of coronavirus into the country. No country that closed its borders has banned the entry for its citizens, and this is usually the most common way of importing the infection. “Seven out of eight imported coronavirus cases in Belarus were Belarusian nationals returning from abroad,” the ministry informed.
The decision to close kindergartens and elementary schools makes more sense over other viral infections which are usually on the rise in this time of the year. “After closing pre-school and school facilities, the children whose parents have a job, will unlikely be at home alone. They are more likely to be taken care of their grandparents. Meanwhile, the virus is known to be most dangerous to elderly people who have the biggest risk of developing severe complications of viral infections (influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, measles and pneumonia),” the Healthcare Ministry underlined.
The ministry also opposes suspending classes at higher learning institutions, vocational colleges and high school. There is no guarantee that young people will stop closely communicating with each other.
All in all, the ministry reiterates that the most important thing is a responsible attitude of people to their own health and the health of surrounding people coupled with safety measures recommended to people who return from abroad, and hygiene etiquette. For example, one should no way conceal the fact of visiting at-risk countries and areas and avoid quarantine stations. Nevertheless, not all people demonstrate responsible behavior.
“All the patients are in satisfactory condition except for one who sought medical assistance too late. His condition can be classified as moderate. Some of the patients have already been discharged, some will be discharged soon. The others remain under medical observation, but their condition does not give reasons to worry,” the Healthcare Ministry noted.
The ministry emphasized that several hundred people in Belarus are now receiving treatment for pneumonia, however only one of them developed pneumonia as a result of coronavirus. “Sixty four people with pneumonia are in severe condition, however none of them has COVID-19. Thirty four patients are mechanically ventilated – none of them has coronavirus either. By the way, the patient who was reported dead by some media yesterday is alive and is getting better and he does not have coronavirus either,” the Healthcare Ministry said.
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