Issues of ensuring the effective functioning of healthcare were discussed at the regional headquarters for combating the spread of coronavirus infection

A regional headquarters headed by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, has been established to coordinate efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus infection. The Minister of Health, Vladimir Karanik, who was in the region on behalf of the President, took part in its meeting.

All organizational issues of ensuring the effective operation of healthcare were discussed in order to keep the situation with the spread of the virus under control and ensure safe working conditions for medical professionals who are currently at the forefront of the fight for the health of the population.

- There are enough test systems in the republic, - noted Vladimir Karanik, - we will ship them to the region upon request as needed. The same applies to protective equipment; 100,000 protective masks have been reserved for you at the "Slavyanka" factory. The republic is ready to provide all necessary assistance.

The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, expressed readiness to organize the local production of protective equipment for medical personnel, including sewing protective suits at the region's garment factories, in order not to depend on anyone.

The Minister outlined the action algorithm developed in this situation for healthcare to slow down the spread of infection:

- It is important to immediately distinguish the symptoms of COVID-19 from other respiratory infections and, even before receiving the test results, isolate not only the patient but also their family members. A patient survey algorithm has been developed. If its result indicates that it may be a coronavirus infection, the patient and their family members are strongly advised to stay at home. After that, a swab for COVID-19 is taken. If the result is negative, the sick person continues to be treated for ARVI, and the family members are issued a sick leave certificate for one day. If the test result is positive, all family members automatically become first-level contacts and, according to the current instructions, their sick leave continues for the period of anti-epidemic measures.

This approach, the minister concluded, will reduce the number of potentially infectious patients in the city and localize outbreaks outside medical facilities, when using public transport, and so on.

We remind you that each of us must follow personal hygiene rules, social distancing in public places, the visits to which should be minimized if possible.

"Vitbichi"