Dulkis’ “Confession” to Social Democrats: Will Facilitate Quarantine When Lithuania Receives COVID-19 Antigen Tests

At the beginning of the meeting, A. Dulkys joked that the conversation would be “close to the level of confession.”

He immediately admitted that he couldn’t answer some of the questions.

In the questions, the Social Democrats pointed out to the minister that there are doctors who work with patients and contract COVID-19. However, this is not recognized as an occupational disease and they are not covered by the higher sickness benefit.

Politicians were asked how the ministry was preparing to tackle the problem.

Questions without answer

A.Dulkys agreed that the problem existed, but did not indicate how it would solve it.

“It is difficult to determine at what stage and from which doctors are infected, from patients or from colleagues,” he said. – Equally measures [nustatyti] there is no.”

“The deepest reason is the employer’s fear that I will not have consequences, because perhaps we did not comply with the security measures, perhaps we did not do something.

I admit that I really do not have an answer to this question, how to do the right thing and what to do here, ”said the Minister.

He also mentioned other troublesome issues, solutions for which are still being discussed. One of them is the application of the no-fault harm model, where those vaccinated will experience (if at all) serious or rare side effects.

“It just came to our knowledge then <...>“Let’s say the right of physicians, nursing home workers to refuse to be vaccinated and the relationship with patients and clients: they have a legitimate expectation to be supervised, to receive services safely,” said A. Dulkys.

“This is another question for which, I admit, we have no answer, but it is growing, it is coming together and will require more discussion,” he added.

The size of vaccine shipments is expected to increase

Referring to the rate of vaccination of the population, A. Dulkys stated that at the beginning of February, the entire health sector, according to the plan, must be vaccinated with the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are determined that the entire treatment system: medical institutions, nursing, care, pharmacists, fever clinics, mobile devices [punktai] – We plan to have it complete with the first week of February and the second vaccine. [būti] covered.

And the other groups, which are larger, depend on the quantities that will be delivered in the future ”, said the minister about when the second dose of the vaccine will be vaccinated by other priority groups.

We are determined that the entire treatment system with the first week of February and the second vaccination is complete [būti] covered.

He mentioned that Lithuania now receives not only BioNTech and Pfizer, but also Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

According to A. Dulkis, the first shipment of vaccines of this campaign, which arrived in Lithuania, was symbolic, but the size of shipments should increase: in the first quarter we should receive a total of 60 thousand. Dosage of vaccine “Moderna”, the second and third – 220 thousand. dose.

“When we talk about other vaccines, manufacturers are sending the message that these large quantities will arrive in the third or fourth quarter, unless there is some pressure and something changes in the context of the European Union,” Dulkys said.

After becoming Minister of Health, A. Dulkys stated that he had not found any algorithm or ready-made test strategies at the Ministry, and that no rapid tests for COVID-19 antigens had been ordered.

Minister of Health Aurelijus Veryga, outgoing Minister of Health, on the procedure for conducting COVID-19 tests and serological tests, which also establishes the different algorithms for COVID-19 research, was adopted on December 4.

The purchase of rapid antigen tests was organized by the Public Health Laboratory, but was suspended on December 23 due to supplier complaints. Updated later.

When tested more actively, the quarantine will be relaxed

According to the minister, the first antigen tests should arrive in Lithuania in late January or early February.

They must be purchased additionally.

“We have already inventoried all the stocks we generally need (any stocks, not just antigen testing) in our subsidiaries, and additional antigen testing purchases will also be initiated so that everyone doesn’t have to appeal and cry again. public procurement, and start all procurement as planned, before, so that those quantities reach Lithuania, ”said A. Dulkys.

According to the minister, when rapid antigen tests arrive in Lithuania, they will be used according to established procedure.

A.Dulkys assured that it would contemplate testing strategies that should be adapted to different cases: preventive tests, tests in COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as tests for those who experience symptoms of COVID-19 or are isolated.

The minister hinted that the order would go into effect in February and then it would be possible to talk about easing quarantine restrictions.

Lithuania cannot live forever with such strict quarantine measures.

“In February, I can’t say what week, but the goal is this… Well, Lithuania cannot live forever with such strict quarantine measures. But all countries that abruptly removed the measures but did not use other means returned to even stricter quarantines, curfew and the like.

This is what we will combine launch stuff with test algorithms. The schemes we have, unfortunately, do not have the tests themselves. But you can already see the light at the end of the tunnel, “said A. Dulkys.

Seeks funding for COVID-19 genome sequence research

The application of the test strategy, he said, will allow, for example, that educational institutions become operational: “For those who use the tests, it will accelerate their exit from self-isolation, thus ensuring the opening of organizations, educational institutions, work, etc. “

A.Dulkys hinted that Lithuania plans to start conducting COVID-19 genome sequence studies – at least 1 percent will study. positive samples.

“We have already discussed this issue in the Prime Minister’s independent expert council. Proposals have been drawn up, relating to the organization of a sequencing consortium, with the aim of carrying out at least 1% sequencing of positive samples.

So far we have had voluntary tests in Kaunas, Vilnius, but they were not systematic, ”said A. Dulkys.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, he said, is seeking financial resources for this purpose.

The need to sequence the COVID-19 genome has been reinforced by the discovery in the UK of a UK-associated COVID-19 strain.

This variant of the virus spreads faster.

Some, according to A. Dulkis, claim that this variety already exists in Lithuania – which is perhaps why we had so many cases of COVID-19, others – that it may still come.

“We do not have reliable information,” the minister summarized.

Meeting broadcast:

Last week, A. Dulkys participated in a meeting of the opposition “peasant” faction. here answered questions related to vaccination of the population, vaccine transport.

That week, the Minister also entered the Seimas rostrum, where he answered written questions from the “peasants” and “workers” themselves, and attended an hour of Government.