The number of pneumonia cases in Vitebsk Oblast has been decreasing steadily, Mikhail Vishnevetsky, the head of the healthcare directorate at the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, said as he took part in the meeting of the regional headquarters to combat the spread of the coronavirus and to protect the population on 13 May, BelTA has learned.
“At present, the situation in Vitebsk Oblast and the city of Vitebsk remains serious, but it is stable and controlled. The number of people receiving inpatient treatment for pneumonia has gone down by 20% in Vitebsk Oblast and by 29% in Vitebsk since the end of April,” Mikhail Vishnevetsky said. According to him, the number of severe cases of pneumonia in the region has declined only slightly and is at around the same level. The condition of every patient in under close control, all medicines are prescribed in line with the appropriate procedure. Healthcare facilities have enough medicines and personal protective equipment.
From 1 April to 12 May, more than 5,400 patients and 308 healthcare workers were discharged from hospitals and returned to work. The stabilization of the situation has enabled to get down to disinfection of healthcare facilities of Vitebsk. For example, as from today, the surgery department of the regional oncology clinic will undergo disinfection and will start admitting its usual patients from 18 May. “I hope that we will not need to repurpose it for pneumonia patients again,” Mikhail Vishnevetsky noted.
He called on residents of the region to follow preventative measures, including social distancing. “This is one of the most important conditions for preserving the positive dynamics,” he stressed.
Mikhail Vishnevetsky also noted that since 5 May healthcare workers and medical students who volunteered to work in hospitals have been paid extra in line with Decree No.131. “We have prepared for this in advance. We have provided explanations to all questions regarding the decree and sent them to healthcare facilities,” Mikhail Vishnevetsky added.
Moreover, all healthcare facilities of Vitebsk Oblast are compiling lists of people who have recovered and are about to be discharged. In line with the president's instruction, they will be offered to undergo recuperation in health resorts.
