NUCLEAR POWER IN BELARUS AND WORLDWIDE
MINSK, 8 May (BelTA) - The incidence of COVID-19 is decreasing in some districts of Minsk Oblast and Vitebsk Oblast, Belarus' Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik told reporters, BelTA has learned.
“We are already observing a decrease in the incidence in some districts. Some districts have reached the plateau and, I think, the number of cases will be decreasing there in the near future. In some districts we are observing an increase in the number of cases, but it is in line with the forecast,” said Vladimir Karanik.
For example, a steady decline has been observed for several weeks in the Vitebsk region. A final disinfection is currently in progress in the hospitals that have been previously re-purposed to treat coronavirus patients. Gradually they will return to their usual mode of work. This is the surgery division of the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Cancer Clinic. The neurology division of the regional hospital will also be preparing to return to its line of specialization.
“The situation in Vitebsk allows reducing the bed capacity for coronavirus patients and distributing patients in a more relaxed manner. We believe that the situation in Vitebsk Oblast is returning back to normal,” the minister noted. The same situation is seen in some districts of Minsk Oblast.
“We think that the situation has plateaued in other regions. We will continue providing treatment in an intensive manner for some time. After that there will be a decrease in the number of cases and reverse re-purposing of hospitals,” Vladimir Karanik added.
According to him, most patients display mild symptoms, with some 15-20% having pneumonia as a coronavirus complication. Healthcare facilities provide both inpatient and outpatient (for people with the mild form of the disease) treatment. At present, less than a half of beds for coronavirus patients are taken up. The country has all the necessary medicines and equipment. “We believe that the situation is under control, the healthcare system has the necessary reserves,” the minister said.
