The hygienist expects that the current measures against coronavirus could start to take effect in the coming days. At present, the source of the infection in the metropolis cannot be traced to half of those infected with covid-19. Therefore, people should be careful and follow basic hygiene rules, including wearing veils. “We have nothing else in our hands now,” she told the News List.
–
What is the current situation around the coronavirus epidemic in Prague? How are the intensive care capacities and what is the trend?
–
We are currently approaching 15,000 reported cases of the disease in Prague, which is a very high number. Of course, this is a certain percentage of patients who are hospitalized. However, hospitalization capacities are not exhausted – by no means. So far, no elective (planned, editor’s note) care has been limited.
–
Currently, 20 percent of beds are available in Prague. Which is a relatively high number – and we have supplies in other beds, which are currently occupied by patients from elective care. If this is limited, the number may increase. At the moment, however, there is no risk of someone getting a bed.
–
However, community transmission of the disease still persists in Prague. In what percentage of cases is it possible to find the source of the infection?
–
We have about a third of patients who have been infected in the family, about a third have been infected in the workplace, and the rest cannot be transmitted – it is as high as 50 percent. Many people can’t remember where they could become infected. It does not indicate a specific place that could be linked, and given that there are many cases, it is not possible to identify a common source of infection.
–
How is the tracing going at the moment, who helps everything hygienists?
–
There is interest in tracing, but when those interested arrive and see what it all means – they find out that it is not such a simple matter – then not everyone wants to do it. The medics help us, the Ministry of Health helps by setting up a tracing center that traces the other contacts of the patients, the customs officers help – in fact, who has his hands and feet and who can help. But it’s not a job for everyone. We need more people to help trace the first cases, and unfortunately we do not have that.
–
The hygiene station has 160 professional employees, of which 130 are involved in tracing and the rest provide other related agenda – including writing quarantines and other things. There are about 200 to 300 extra people in the call centers, but these are numbers that go beyond us.
–
Is it possible to call infected contacts within at least two days?
–
So it takes three to four days for the contacts to find out?
–
Yes, it is taking longer at the moment.
–
As for the current measures – the Minister of Health Roman Prymula (for YES) proposes, for example, the closure of secondary schools. Do you think this will help the situation?
–
As far as I know, an extraordinary measure will be issued by the Ministry. But it should be for a limited time – precisely in order to reduce the reproduction number and so that the capacity does not have to be allocated only for the coronavirus, but so that the planned performances can continue.
–
Do you expect the measures to work within two weeks and there will be a decrease in new cases?
–
Everyone expects that this will be the case and that it will affect the situation. There are assumptions and calculations for this. I think it will affect the transmission of the infection.
–
Are there any sensitive places in Prague where the disease is spreading more?
–
It cannot be specified at all now.
–
As for the flu, it is thought that wearing veils ordered for covid could weaken its spread. Would you use this as one of the arguments against so-called opponents of veils?
–
There is a noticeable decline in morbidity, which is beyond the previous flu seasons. It is attributed to veils and I believe that it is so. That veils can prevent a lot and that it is a pity that they have become politicized in our country. We have nothing else in our hands – we do not have a vaccine or a specific drug. We only wear masks, wash hands and disinfect – nothing more. And we have to build on that. When we have something else in a year, we will have to proceed differently.
—
