What measures have been taken to contain the coronavirus in the Vitebsk region?
Two hospitals in Vitebsk, according to the head of the regional health department, are prepared to provide assistance to patients with acute respiratory infections and pneumonia.
Our medical professionals have the necessary equipment to provide assistance in moderate and severe forms of the infection. In particular, the region has more than 350 artificial lung ventilation devices, with about 30 of them capable of operating in isolation, without a centralized oxygen supply.
The regional diagnostic center has been repurposed for diagnosing only individuals with acute respiratory viral infections who require additional examination. It should be noted that patients with pneumonia, individuals with symptoms of ARVI who have a history of first and second-level contact with those whose virus RNA carriage test was positive, are covered by screening for coronavirus RNA. In the Vitebsk region, more than 20 biomaterial collection points have been organized for laboratory testing for COVID-19. Tests are performed only on indication. If a resident of the region suspects an infection, they should contact special multi-channel telephone lines. Based on the symptoms and medical history, a decision will be made on further actions; in case of a possible risk of coronavirus, an ambulance will hospitalize them in the infectious diseases department.
As in previous years, during the period of an epidemiological surge in ARVI incidence, scheduled hospitalizations and surgeries have been suspended in inpatient facilities. The Vitebsk City Emergency Hospital, the regional hospital, maternity hospital, cardiology center, and oncology dispensary continue to operate as usual.
– We are ready to provide specialized care, ensure medical treatment, and identify individuals who have been in contact with a carrier of the virus RNA. However, in containing the spread of viral infections and moderate to severe forms of the disease, citizens themselves play an important role by adequately assessing the situation and following the recommendations of healthcare professionals, – emphasized Yuri Derkach, urging residents of the region to responsibly adhere to individual preventive measures to protect themselves and others.
Medical professionals advise avoiding crowded places, replacing travel on public transport with walking whenever possible, refraining from trips to other settlements, and limiting social interactions.
In queues and at public transport stops, try to maintain a distance of at least one meter from each other. In workplaces and public places, systematically treat hands with alcohol-based disinfectants, especially after contact with door handles, elevator buttons, handrails, and other objects where the virus may settle. Try not to touch your mouth, nose, and eyes with your hands. Also, upon returning home from the street, it is necessary to thoroughly wash your hands with alkaline soap (bar soap is the best option) for at least 20 seconds. It is also recommended to drink hot tea, as temperatures above 45–60 degrees Celsius negatively affect the virus.
Elderly people, who are most susceptible to the disease and its severe forms, are advised to stay at home. Children, as well as people under 60-65 years of age, without pathologies of the bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems, diabetes mellitus, and other chronic diseases that contribute to the virus's persistence, generally experience the infection in a mild form. However, precautionary measures will not hurt anyone.
If you suspect coronavirus, do not go to the clinic; call the following numbers:
- in Vitebsk — 8 (0212) 67-36-44,
- Polotsk — 8 (0214) 74-39-44,
- Novopolotsk — 8 (0214) 57-36-44,
- Orsha — 8 (0216) 51-34-41 and 51-34-48.
Residents of Vitebsk can also contact the city polyclinics by phone:
- Vitebsk City Central Polyclinic (st. Gen. Margelov, 2): tel. 36-58-74, 36-59-11, 36-59-16, 36-58-68;
- City Polyclinic No. 1 (st. Tereshkova, 30): tel. 61-96-66, 66-58-55, 66-77-28;
- City Polyclinic No. 2 (st. Gorky, 90a): tel. 37-32-01, 37-48-81, 37-36-82;
- City Polyclinic No. 4 (st. B. Khmelnitsky, 24): tel. 26-17-48, 26-17-29, 26-17-33;
- Branch No. 5 of the State Healthcare Institution "Vitebsk City Polyclinic" (st. Gagarin, 106): tel. 37-35-90, 55-22-11;
- Vitebsk City Clinical Polyclinic No. 3 (Moskovsky Ave., 43a): tel. 36-08-42, 36-08-35, 36-08-38;
- Vitebsk City Polyclinic No. 6 (st. Kondratyev, 16): tel. 66-31-42, 66-05-61, 66-33-45;
- Vitebsk City Polyclinic No. 7 (st. Lokomotivnaya, 14): tel. 33-20-33.
"Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos from open sources.