Experts have observed the priority given to planning and additional capacity to accommodate incoming patients with confirmed cases of coronavirus. At the same time, the overall functioning of the health care system, including treatment of chronic diseases, care for mothers and children, and mental health services, has been preserved.
However, according to who estimates, Belarus is entering a new phase, when cases of community-level transmission of the virus appear. This is especially true in certain regions of the country, including the capital. Therefore, it is recommended to implement measures including physical distance, while maintaining a proper system for testing, tracking contacts and isolating identified cases, i.e. those measures that have already been taken.
"We welcome the practices that the Belarusian government has taken. They should be preserved and strengthened, " the who representative said. "Physical distancing measures include preventing mass gatherings of people, ensuring that contacts and patients with confirmed diagnoses are quarantined, as well as those who could potentially have been exposed to the virus." Who recommends taking steps, in particular to include teleconferencing in work schedules, to reduce unnecessary movements, especially for high-risk groups.
"Community - wide interventions can help slow and prevent the spread of the virus, and health systems can build capacity and capacity to ensure that patients' needs are met, and that they are prepared and equipped with protective equipment, beds, and human resources in the event of an increase in the number of cases, " said Patrick O'connor.
Who believes that citizens will take increasing responsibility for complying with the recommended measures. "Now is the time to step up efforts while continuing and maintaining the good work that has been done in terms of testing all potential cases, tracking the contacts of confirmed patients and isolating those who are ill," the head of the mission said. "It follows from our recommendations that we recommend, in addition to the measures taken, ensuring physical distance. This is not necessarily a quarantine and curfew, " Patrick O'connor added.
According to health Minister Vladimir Karanik, it is not necessary to introduce strict quarantine measures at the moment. At the same time, if everyone restricts their non-obligatory contacts and takes measures to distance themselves socially, it will be possible to prevent an avalanche-like increase in the incidence of diseases.
The who mission worked in Belarus from 8 to 11 April and arrived in the country at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko. The situation, measures taken, and approaches to providing medical care in Belarus were evaluated. Experts have called for health care institutions of Minsk, Minsk and Vitebsk regions. Recommendations will be made based on the assessment.