Six coronavirus cases confirmed in Belarus

MINSK, 4 March (BelTA) – Belarus has confirmed six coronavirus cases, Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik told reporters on 4 March, BelTA has learned.

“All these people are in satisfactory condition. As of today's morning, none of them had fever. They remain under medical surveillance,” the minister said.

All these cases were identified during medical screenings. Two of them returned to Belarus from affected areas. In addition to that, not only the confirmed cases were isolated, but also the people who came in close contact with them. All the cases were reported in two cities – Minsk (four cases) and Vitebsk (two cases), Vladimir Karanik said.

In his words, the patients tested negative for coronavirus when they were taken to hospital. “In other words, at that point the virus could not be identified,” the minister said. He went on explaining: a person does not feel sick for some time after contracting the virus. The virus becomes contagious during the incubation period. This happens not earlier than four days after catching the infection. “By that time all these people were under medical supervision and did not contact with anyone. We really hope that our containment efforts will help curb the spread of the infection,” Vladimir Karanik said.

A clinical protocol of treating coronavirus carriers is to be published on 4 March. A conference of the WHO Regional Office for Europe took place the other day. The conference was attended by the healthcare ministers of the region. On 3 March healthcare professionals, including those from China, took part in a video conference to discuss the most optimal approaches to medical surveillance and treatment of suspected coronavirus cases. Most of Chinese experts believe that mild cases do not require any specific treatment; the absolute majority of patients recover without any consequences for their health.

Vladimir Karanik gave his take on coronavirus vaccine expectations. He recalled that H1N1 claimed 204,000 lives worldwide. However, experts believe that the real figure is twice as big. “In other words, about 400,000 people across the globe died of swine influenza. A vaccine against this disease has been developed. People in Belarus can get it free of charge. At present many people who seek medical help in connection with fever are diagnosed with H1N1. In other words, although this vaccine is available, people do not get inoculated,” he said. The minister recommended people to take good care of their health and to prevent diseases that are preventable.

As far as coronavirus is concerned, the virus is known to be most risky to the elderly people and people with underlying conditions like diabetes and obesity. During a surge in respiratory virus activity, people displaying symptoms of a disease should refrain from visiting their elderly relatives and other frail and vulnerable people.

The minister also called for respecting people's privacy. “The information we provide is complete and objective. The attempts to disclose the personality of patients and their private details, including through their co-workers, greatly discourage people from seeking medical help as they do not want their case to be made public. Therefore they might conceal their disease,” he noted.

The very fact of seeking medical help is confidential. Disclosing this fact entails criminal responsibility, Vladimir Karanik added.

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