Rates of COVID-19 morbidity in Belarus gradually decreasing

In almost all regions, the epidemiological situation makes it possible to partially withdraw departments from the Covid hospital regime. 

Stolbtsy, Myadel, Smolevich, Molodechno, Cherveny, Vileika, Soligorsk, Kletsk and Zhodino have already returned to providing routine care.

The first hospitals in the capital are returning to their usual profile as well. For example, only two buildings of Minsk Oncology Center are still used for infectious disease patients. A few days ago the radiological department was returned to the clean zone. 

Victor Kondratovich, chief physician of Minsk Oncology Center:
We have partially discharged patients, partially transferred them to other hospitals, partially transferred them to our second building. We are opening 370 beds of radiological and surgical profile. We provide all types of cancer care, surgical, radiology, chemotherapy, and outpatient care.

So far, COVID-19 is in no hurry to retreat, although a lot of resources have been put into fighting the new virus. During the pandemic, Belarus spent about 2 billion dollars on treatment and prevention. Now, although there are fewer COVID-19 patients, the forms of the disease do not allow doctors to relax - a lot of serious patients remain in hospitals. The situation is particularly difficult in Minsk. As a rule, all of them need oxygen support.  Therefore, the relevant department speaks cautiously about stabilization of the epidemic. 

Other diseases have not gone anywhere - the seasonal rise of influenza is ahead.  It is difficult to predict what the epidemic situation will look like then. It is obvious that viral fusion cannot be allowed. That is why two large-scale vaccination campaigns are carried out in parallel this autumn: against influenza and against coronavirus. There are not enough vaccines. Another shipment of 1.5 million doses has just arrived from China, one third of which is humanitarian aid. It is planned that the entire shipment will arrive in the regions after the vaccine passes quality control.