Preparedness of Belarus' healthcare system for possible COVID-19 second wave assessed
11:47, 22 June
Photo: BelTA
The Belarusian healthcare system is ready for a possible second wave of the coronavirus infection better than for the first one, Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik said in an interview to the Belarus 1 TV channel on 21 June, BelTA has learned.
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According to Vladimir Karanik, the current situation with the spread of the coronavirus infection in Belarus is fully under control, as it used to be throughout the entire period of the pandemic. “We can see a decrease in both new cases and the number of patients with complications of the coronavirus infection. We can also see that hospitals in many regions are gradually getting back to their normal mode of operation,” the minister said.
In his words, the Healthcare Ministry does not rule out the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19. “We must prepare for the virus to stay. Therefore, we are using all the opportunities to strengthen the resource base of the healthcare system and increase its stress resistance. As for restrictive measures, we should understand that there was no classic medical quarantine in any country. Restrictive measures in our country were quite tough and but were pinpointed. These measures remain in any case. We protect the most vulnerable groups of the population. We hope, given our experience, given the strengthening of the healthcare system, and given the availability of reserves, that the second wave, if there will be any, will be a weaker one, and the system is much better prepared for it than for the first one,” the minister said.
The minister noted that Belarusians had recently become relaxed with regard to the observance of safety measures. “People have begun to pay less attention to safety measures. We would like to recall once again that our recommendations for protection, especially of vulnerable groups (the elderly, people with chronic diseases), remain valid. These are measures of social distancing, as well as wearing masks in crowded places precisely for those who have the highest risk of complications,” said Vladimir Karanik. He also urged people who show symptoms of infectious diseases to stay at home if possible and call a doctor, and to use protective equipment when moving outside the home.
The healthcare minister also spoke about the plans to provide healthcare institutions in the Belarusian regions with rapid antibody tests. According to him, very soon there will be an opportunity to provide every outpatient clinics and first aid stations with rapid testing kits.
