Humanity is looking for new ways to manage the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, after the end of the highest level of health alert.
The COVID-19 infection caused by said coronavirus continues to represent a threat to public health, stresses the World Health Organization (WHO). The pandemic is not over, and that is why we will have to look for new ways for its long-term management, as indicated by the Organization.
The virus, according to the latest scientific estimates, will remain with us and will circulate in the community for many years.
horizontal measurements they have ceased to exist and now only targeted interventions are carried out on people belonging to vulnerable groups.
According to the recent EODY announcement, “the top priority remains the observance of general preventive measures for respiratory infections, which include avoid close contact with people who have symptomsadherence to hygiene measures and withdrawal from work or school due to symptoms”.
The use of a mask is recommended for people who present symptoms and especially for vulnerable people and in cases in which we want to protect our loved ones.
The still Professor of Epidemiology EKPA and member of the Committee of Experts of the Ministry of Health, Gikas Majorcapoints out to APE-MPE that the new reality that is emerging -although milder- has a strong impact on hospitals.
“This endemicity has a strong footprint, which we also face in hospitals, and is mainly borne by vulnerable groups, who are still exposed to the virus. What happened is that the virus came and added an additional burden to the health system and we will have to find a way to deal with it in the coming decades, ”he said.
The new measures to manage the pandemic in Greece
What applies to case isolation.
Home isolation is recommended for 5 days.
Theoretically and legally, if someone positive for the COVID-19 disease does not want to remain in isolation, they do not face 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 transmission.
“Quarantine” is no longer provided for contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection.
What applies to 5 days sick leave from work
The “automatic” sick leave is no longer valid, when someone had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 with rapid from a pharmacy, or a molecular test (PCR).
Official certification of the COVID-19 disease through diagnosis in a pharmacy or diagnostic laboratory is also not required, except in the case that the patient must receive antiviral drugs. In all other cases, the diagnosis can be made at home with a simple self-test.
Normal sick leave can be granted by the attending physician, as was granted until today for other illnesses 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 a hospital due to Covid-19 illness, their absences are also recorded, but they are not counted for the entire period of hospitalization.
The protocols for coronavirus-positive candidates from nationwide exams are expected to be announced by the Ministry of Education in the coming period.
Counters in hotels, restaurants and bars
No restrictions apply.
The patient with COVID-19 can use public transport (plane, boat, bus, train, etc.) to return home, as long as they wear a highly protective mask in closed spaces.
Measures in medical offices, hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes
use of mask
The use of masks by medical personnel by patients and visitors is mandatory, in all Health structures (private and public hospitals, Health Centers, elderly care units and social care units).
It is not mandatory in pharmacies.
Visiting a hospital as a patient
Patients who go to health establishments to be examined by regular or emergency appointment are not required to have previously carried out a coronavirus test.
Exceptionally, a 24-hour rapid test is required for patients undergoing an examination or procedure using an aerosol (eg, dental office).
In the case of operations there are subcategories, so ask your doctor.
Visiting a hospital as a companion or visitor
Each public or private health structure has the right to apply its own protocols, so before visiting a patient, ask those responsible.
In any case, visiting people who show symptoms of Covid infection is prohibited.
CDC: Announces Protocol for Safe Building Ventilation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first announced specific rules for the safe ventilation of buildings.
After months of scientific study, it was decided that the minimum goal for adequate ventilation of an enclosed occupied space is 5 air changes per hour.
The new and updated CDC guidelines for building ventilation are as follows:
- Maintain your ventilation system in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Try to do 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 ventilation in buildings can help reduce the amount of viral particles in the air and reduce the risk of exposure to respiratory viruses.
- The implementation of multiple infection prevention and control strategies can increase the overall effectiveness of ventilation interventions.
Report: Gianna Soulaki – Source: iatropedia.gr