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From now on, Viennese can run rapid corona tests in so-called checkboxes. There should be 30 mobile ordinations in Vienna in early December.
Is it just a cold or a Covid infection? Since the difference is not always easy for those affected to see, the city of Vienna offers so-called checkboxes in cooperation with the Vienna Medical Association and the medical radio service. At these mobile ordinations, Viennese with a runny nose, cold, and flu symptoms can take an antigen test. This works through a nasal swab, the result is available ten to 15 minutes later, the result and other measurements are discussed with a doctor on site.
If the rapid antigen test is negative, the patient can be treated by a doctor directly at the container ordering. If the test is positive, a PCR test is also performed and the necessary measures (eg, home isolation) and contact tracing are started immediately. The result of the PCR test must be available and sent to the patient within 24 hours.
Checkbox doctor writes prescriptions or imposes quarantine
Today, Wednesday, one of the first two checkboxes was presented in Favoriten. At Ludwig von Höhnelgasse 2, in front of the entrance to Laaerbergbad (Favoriten), Health Councilor Peter Hacker (SPÖ) and Vice President of the Vienna Medical Association, Johannes Steinhart, explained the benefits of the new service. The second location is at Mildeplatz in Ottakring.
“Together with the Vienna Medical Association and the medical radio service for the cough and cold station, we have created something completely new. Mobile ordinations combine the treatment of patients and the tasks of health authorities to combat the pandemic in one place, “emphasizes Hacker. With the checkboxes, the city allows the safe medical treatment of patients with colds, colds or flu-like symptoms, even in Corona times. “A doctor can prescribe prescriptions directly on the spot and, if the proof is positive, also to quarantine prescribe “, emphasizes Hacker.
In addition, resident doctors and hospitals would be relieved: “With the checkboxes we are able to better control the flow of patients. In this way we can keep the waiting areas for ordinations and outpatient departments free of cold patients or Covid for other patients” Steinhart adds.
Register for rapid tests from now on, but online only
As of today there are two checkboxes in Vienna, by the beginning of December there should be 30. The city does not want to reveal the exact locations yet, as they could still change. But everything should be decentralized and easily accessible.
In order to perform an antigen test, patients must make an appointment in advance. Currently, this is only possible online via the Vienna Medical Service homepage and with a maximum of three days in advance. After registering and receiving the ticket, the electronic card enters one of the “checkboxes”. The couple Ingeborg and Walter K. (both 80) were the first patients to use the offer on Wednesday. After a few minutes it became clear: both are negative and today they can safely celebrate Ingeborg’s 80th birthday.
Hackers Continue Against School Closures
Despite the increasing number of corona cases, Hacker continues to speak out against closing the school. Children and adolescents need routine, the last few months have already caused them enough damage, “let’s leave the children alone,” Hacker said.
Furthermore, the new measures in schools are not even necessary: ”We have been monitoring very closely since the beginning of September, so we know that the number of positive cases in schools is extremely low. This is particularly common among children from 0 to 14 years “. Corona practically doesn’t matter, ”the city council said. In addition, closing a school would once again place a double burden on parents, “and many would not make it,” Hacker emphasizes.
Rather, he is bothered by images from the weekend showing thousands of people opening a wholesale market. “That doesn’t have to be.” Hacker would like the Ministry of Health to have a clear specification of how many people are allowed per available space; that would bring more.
“The situation in Viennese hospitals is tense”
Despite the increase in numbers, care for all crown patients in Vienna is assured, Hacker stressed. But this should not be overlooked either, “the situation is, of course, tense”. Therefore, divide the work as best you can. Hacker referred to the cooperation between the city of Vienna and private hospitals in Vienna.
Even if some operations need to be postponed, the emergency area is “of course fully functional and will remain in place.” This applies to heart attacks and accidents, as well as cancer treatments. The city has prepared for the increase in crown numbers in the fall and winter and has developed a step-by-step plan. “Depending on the situation, we activate department after department for the care of corona patients,” Hacker said.
For example, at the “Divine Savior” hospital in Hernals: more space has just been made here for Covid patients, as of now 45 beds, eight intensive care beds and ten aftercare beds are available.
