Opinions & Interviews

Minister: Belarus expects third wave of coronavirus in spring

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VITEBSK, 23 March (BelTA) – Belarusian healthcare professionals are expecting a third wave of the coronavirus infection this spring, Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich told reporters prior to announcing postgraduate work assignment decisions at Vitebsk State Medical University, BelTA has learned.

According to the minister, Belarus is ready for the next wave, an important question is how intense it will be. “Probably, we will not see the overlapping of two waves of infection – that of coronavirus and the seasonal influenza common for our country at this time of the year. On the other hand, we expect an increase in COVID-19 cases, therefore we are not relaxing safety measures, including the requirement to wear masks and observe social distancing. The national healthcare system stands ready for new challenges,” Dmitry Pinevich said.

“Now the situation is calm. The caseload dropped by 40% compared with the autumn peak,” the minister added.

Another batch of vaccines has arrived in the regions. Starting from April, vaccines will be available to the general public. Belarusian pharmaceutical companies are set to roll out the Russian vaccine in the near future.

The postgraduate work assignment took place at Vitebsk State Medical University on 23 March. A total of 673 graduates got their the first jobs, 245 of them worked with COVID-19 patients at in-patient and out-patient facilities.

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