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It is the number of cases in which the circumstances of the infection cannot be determined that most concerns professionals. In July, there were 18% of such infections, in August – 19%, in September – 20%, in October – 25%, in November – even 38%. (November 2 to 29). This means that the risk of contracting a coronavirus infection is now high in all places where people come into contact, especially indoors.
According to Robertas Petraitis, director of NVSC, the increasing trend in the number of cases in which we cannot find a source of infection and isolate it illustrates the seriousness of the situation.
NVSC Photo / Robertas Petraitis
“It is a serious sign that the virus is circulating in a variety of settings and we cannot assess the situation the way we could have in the spring or summer when we determined exactly where people were infected. We had local outbreaks controlled in treatment, supportive care and nursing homes.
Currently, the proportion of untraceable cases is high, indicating a significant prevalence of the disease in society. Generally speaking, we now see a situation where the virus can enter our environment even after a short conversation with a colleague at work, without the use of personal protective equipment, ”says R. Petraitis.
Evaluation of the general structure of cases by infection sites, about 3% people were infected with the coronavirus in November in educational institutions, that is, kindergartens and schools. The number of cases in educational institutions may have decreased due to the interruption of face-to-face education, as well as the introduction of the coeducational method and the use of telework in parents’ workplaces.
The number of cases of infection in families and the number of cases of infection in the workplace are interrelated. It is estimated that the virus circulates in a circle that includes educational institutions and workplaces through relatives. Generally speaking, the infection reaches families of different social origins and continues to spread to other social settings where members of those families work, study, or visit.
It is estimated that nearly a quarter of all people with COVID-19 confirmed their infection in families in November. At that time, just over 22 percent were related to outbreaks in the workplace. cases.
The virus is circulating in various settings and we cannot assess the situation the way we could have in spring or summer, said R. Petraitis.
It is important to note that data from epidemiological studies show that infection in treatment, nursing and care facilities where COVID-19 outbreaks occur usually comes from the social environment of workers, with links to the social environment of their families.
This suggests that the extent to which families successfully cope with an infection when one of the family members has a risk contact or becomes infected has a significant impact on the spread of infection in the country today. Compared to the first wave of infection, it is observed that during the second wave, and especially in November, the principles of isolation become extremely difficult to follow when a case of infection is detected in families.
It can be seen that family members often live with the sick. Also, the insulation does not adhere properly. The same trend is observed in other European countries. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has already commented on this, most recently on November 18. The recommendations of the Directive state that the isolation of family members is recommended, even if they are only the so-called “contact contacts”.
Although the proportion of infection-related infections (7.2%) in the overall structure of infection sites also remains significant, experts believe that the risk of spreading the virus in treatment facilities is lower than in society based on preventive testing by staff and patients. Infection control measures that help prevent the spread of the disease.
According to Rolanda Lingienė, head of the Vilnius department of the NVSC, the data collected by epidemiologists allows us to see the path of the virus spread. In Lithuania, it is not as unique as in the rest of the world.
Photo by Rokas Lukoševičius / 15min / Rolanda Lingienė
“The data collected by the specialists shows that it is not possible to distinguish certain activities or specific areas where the risk of infection would be assessed as low. However, in epidemiological research, we clearly identify the priorities on which we must focus. These are jobs, educational institutions and, of course, families.
Of course, the virus spreads especially easily indoors, and only the specific application of integrated measures is essential to prevent the spread of the disease. We have to understand that before there is a vaccine, we have the only way: to take care of ourselves and thus protect our loved ones ”, says R. Lingienė.
Regarding the number of cases investigated, of the total cases detected in November, 4,520 cases (that is, 10%) were not investigated. The absolute majority of them are 4036 cases or 90%. – not investigated because the NVSC does not have the contact details of these people and cannot contact you.
Photo by Luke April / 15 minutes / Quarantine in Vilnius
NVSC also notes that information provided to the public that NVSC has not been investigating cases since the summer is false. The NVSC provides daily information on epidemiological investigations conducted and their results. At that time, detailed descriptions of each case were provided to the public on a daily basis through October, with details of the epidemiological study, that is, how the person was infected, how many people had been exposed to risk, and other significant circumstances.
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