by Humanity is looking for new ways to manage the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, after the highest level of health alert ended.
The COVID-19 infection caused by said coronavirus continues to pose a threat to public health, underlines the World Health Organization (WHO). The pandemic is not over, and for this reason we will have to find new ways for its long-term management, as the Organization points out.
The virus – according to the latest scientific estimates – will stay with us and circulate in the community for many years to come.
Horizontal measures they have ceased to exist and now only targeted interventions are made with people belonging to vulnerable groups.
According to EODY’s recent announcement, “the main priority remains compliance with general respiratory infection prevention measures, which include avoid close contact with people with symptomsobservance of hygiene measures and withdrawal from work or school due to symptoms”.
The use of a mask is recommended for people who show symptoms and especially for vulnerable people and in cases where we want to protect our loved ones.
The year. Professor of epidemiology EKPA and member of the expert committee of the Ministry of Health, Majorca Gikaspointed out to the APE-MPE that the new reality that is emerging – although milder – has a heavy impact on hospitals.
“This endemicity has a heavy footprint, which we also face in hospitals, and it is mainly borne by vulnerable groups, who are still exposed to the virus. What has happened is that the virus has arrived and has added an extra burden to the healthcare system that we will have to find a way to deal with, for decades to come,” he said.
New measures to manage the pandemic in Greece
What applies to case isolation
Home isolation for 5 days is recommended.
Theoretically and legally, if a person positive for the COVID-19 disease does not want to remain in isolation, he is not exposed to sanctions. However, this is not medically recommended as the need to protect the community and vulnerable individuals is imperative.
Precautions should be taken at home, such as the use of a mask, good ventilation of the premises and avoiding contact with other people in the intimate environment (especially the most vulnerable and the elderly) to avoid the transmission.
“Quarantine” is no longer provided for contacts of people infected with COVID-19.
What applies to the 5-day sick leave from work
The “automatic” work stoppage is no longer valid, when a person has had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 with a rapid from a pharmacy, or a molecular test (PCR).
Official certification of COVID-19 disease by diagnosis in a pharmacy or diagnostic laboratory is also not required, except in cases where the patient is expected to receive antiviral drugs. In all other cases, the diagnosis can be made at home by a simple self-test.
A normal work stoppage can be granted by the attending physician, as granted until today for other diseases and respiratory infections (flu, etc.)
What about school absences?
Absences of up to 5 days for students who have contracted the coronavirus are recorded, but not counted.
In the event that the student is admitted to hospital due to Covid-19 illness, his absences are also recorded, but are not counted for the entire period of hospitalization.
The protocols for coronavirus-positive national exam candidates are expected to be announced by the Ministry of Education in the next period.
Counters in hotels, restaurants and bars
No restrictions apply.
Patients with COVID-19 can use public transport (plane, boat, bus, train, etc.) to return home, provided they wear a high protection mask in enclosed spaces.
Measurements in medical practices, hospitals, pharmacies and residences for the elderly
Using a mask
Wearing a mask is compulsory for medical personnel by patients and visitors, in all health structures (private and public hospitals, health centers, elderly care units and social care units).
It is not mandatory in pharmacies.
Visit a hospital as a patient
Patients who come to health establishments for an examination with a regular or emergency appointment are not required to have previously carried out a screening test for the coronavirus.
Exceptionally, a rapid 24-hour test is required for patients undergoing an examination or an intervention with an aerosol (e.g. dental office).
In the case of operations, there are subcategories, so ask your doctor.
Visiting a hospital as an escort or for a visit
Each private or public health structure has the right to apply its own protocols, so before visiting a patient, check with those in charge.
In any case, the visit is prohibited for people showing symptoms of Covid infection.
CDC: announces protocol for safe building ventilation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced specific rules for the safe ventilation of buildings for the first time.
After months of scientific studies, it has been decided that the minimum objective for good ventilation of an occupied enclosed space is 5 air changes per hour.
The new and updated CDC guidelines for building ventilation are as follows:
- Maintain your ventilation system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Aim for at least 5 air changes every hour and upgrade filters to MERV-13 filters.
- Good ventilation is essential to maintain a healthy indoor environment and protect building occupants from respiratory infections.
- Improving building ventilation can help reduce the number of viral particles in the air and reduce the risk of exposure to respiratory viruses.
- Implementing multiple infection prevention and control strategies can increase the overall effectiveness of ventilation interventions.
Report: Gianna Soulaki – Source: iatropedia.gr
