[ad_1]
In October last year, two-thirds of Lithuanian municipalities registered an increasing number of new COVID-19 cases. The same case dynamics were recorded last week. As many European Union countries are facing increased morbidity and some are returning to strict quarantine, the trends in Lithuania are also worrying.
According to epidemiologists, the biggest impact on the growing morbidity is caused by the dangerous strains of coronavirus that are currently spreading through Lithuania.
Viral genome sequencing studies show that the British region is already dominated by the most contagious British strain of coronavirus. In random samples, the deficiency characteristic of the S gene of this strain is 70-80%. cases.
It is in the municipalities of Vilnius County where the highest incidence of 14 days in 100 thousand is recorded. population: in Širvintos district this indicator reaches 744, in Vilnius district – 569, in Vilnius city – 540, in Švenčionys district – 511. These figures significantly exceed the general national average (278).
The increase in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Vilnius region, which began in mid-February, is also associated with the British coronavirus strain and increasing morbidity. Half of all COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lithuania are currently hospitalized in the Vilnius region (357 out of 702). When it reaches 70 percent. bed occupancy, some hospitals have been forced to increase the number of beds for COVID-19 patients.
In other regions, the number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 continues to decline or remains stable, but the situation may change in the coming weeks. In Kaunas, Klaipėda and Šiauliai, the prevalence of the British strain of coronavirus can reach 30-40%. Experience in other countries shows that this variety can become dominant within four to six weeks after entering a certain area.
There are no special measures to stop the spread of strains, so epidemiologists urge residents of all municipalities to strictly adhere to measures already in place to prevent coronavirus infection, reduce movement and social contact, cough and sneezing, etiquette and hand hygiene, ventilating facilities. etc.
It is essential that people experiencing symptoms of an acute respiratory infection do not go to work or other public places to stay home and register for coronavirus tests.
Special attention should also be paid to the identification and isolation of those who have been in contact with the sick, as well as to preventive testing of the population.
Preventive tests of workers are very important to clarify asymptomatic cases. It helps to ensure that healthy workers come to work at the institution, company or organization. The earlier the disease is detected, the sooner action can be taken and the chances of a person spreading the infection in their work or family can be reduced.
You can find out which categories of employees can take COVID-19 free of charge for preventive tests HERE.
One of the risk factors is still traveling abroad: dangerous strains of coronavirus entered Lithuania from other countries.
Although travelers are subject to stricter requirements and newcomers to Lithuania are now required to have a negative COVID-19 test and to be isolated 10 days after arrival, these measures cannot completely prevent the introduction of varieties. .
There are exemptions for some categories of travelers, and if a person travels during the incubation period of the disease, they may not yet have visible signs of illness and become ill when they return home.
Currently, all countries in the world are considered to be affected by the coronavirus. In some, already in the wake of the third wave of the pandemic, SAM is urging residents to assess risks and refrain from unnecessary travel abroad.
