[ad_1]
Still, Lina seems to have too strict requirements for returnees in Lithuania, especially compared to other European Union (EU) countries.
Until February 15, Lithuania was subjected to a 14-day isolation from countries that did not belong to the countries where the mutated coronavirus was prevalent. This period was subsequently reduced to 10 days. Still, he thinks Lina is too long.
“In other countries with negative tests for COVID-19, isolation does not apply at all or a maximum isolation period of 5 days applies,” Lina said, sharing examples from other EU countries: – Germany and Austria require a negative test on arrival or immediately, retest after 5 days. If it is negative again, the person is free to move. “
However, according to the woman, the incidence rates of COVID-19 in Germany and Austria are even lower than in Lithuania. According to the latest data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the rate of new COVID-19 cases in Germany in two weeks is currently 123.11 cases per 100,000 cases. population, in Austria – 227.95 cases, respectively, and in Lithuania, although the indicator continues to decline, it is still 261.05 cases.
“Germany is the largest country in the EU, with hundreds of thousands of trucks moving across the country, with people traveling to airports around the world (far fewer people, but there are daily flights). However, isolation is only required for 5 days after a negative COVID-19 test and if it is negative again after 5 days after a repeat test.
The explosion in the number of cases, as there is none, is not the case. Consequently, 5 days of isolation with negative tests is enough ”, concluded Lina, who was surprised that the duration of isolation in Lithuania is double.
The Delfi portal asked the Ministry of Health (SAM) this question.
Lukas Vosylius, chief specialist of the SAM Press Service, drew attention to the current epidemiological situation in the EU and the countries of the European Economic Area and the rapid spread of infection caused by the mutated virus. The probability of introduction and spread of virus mutations that are now spreading in the EU is high, and improved measures for the prevention and control of communicable diseases are needed to reduce this threat.
Furthermore, this is due to the fact that not all countries have sufficient coronavirus genome sequencing studies and there is a lack of information on its true prevalence in countries.
“The States will decide the measures to take, taking into account the current epidemiological situation of the country, the available capacity and the potential impact on public health.
Regardless of the ongoing studies on COVID-19 and / or the containment strategy used, there is a risk of imported COVID-19 cases.
Based on ECDC risk assessment studies and mathematical models, 14 d. The isolation period is the most effective way for travelers to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, ”explained L. Vosylius.
On Friday, SAM released an updated list of affected countries for which stricter isolation conditions apply. It was supplemented by the United States and “left” by Spain and Portugal.
Significant change for carriers and others leaving Lithuania: the deadline for notification of departure has been changed; there is no provision to inform the National Public Health Center (NVSC) after knowing the departure from the country at least 24 hours in advance. before departure. These changes take effect on Monday, March 1.
The conditions for the isolation of seafarers have also been clarified: from now on, isolation is not mandatory only for those seafarers who do not participate in international transport.
In order to control the spread of new COVID-19 mutations, isolation conditions were established for Friday in individuals who had been exposed to a patient with coronavirus infection in which one of the mutation strains of the COVID virus was identified. -19 by genome sequencing. People exposed to such contact or associated with an outbreak in which at least one of the individuals has been identified with one of the mutational strains of the virus should be isolated for 14 days, without the possibility of shortening the term. These individuals undergo a PCR test no earlier than day 10 of isolation.
It is strictly forbidden to use the information published by DELFI on other websites, in the media or elsewhere, or to distribute our material in any way without consent, and if consent has been obtained, it is necessary to cite DELFI as the source.
[ad_2]
