the rising wave of COVID-19 is especially dangerous for countries like Lithuania
Infections have been observed to increase due to the new omicron strain subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. In some European countries, these subtypes of the coronavirus are already starting to dominate. According to the epidemiologist, the new strains are especially dangerous for the countries, older people were less vaccinated. Unfortunately, the vaccination of seniors has been repeatedly referred to as the Achilles heel of the vaccination campaign in Lithuania.
“The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the risk and spread of these strains is higher in countries where the number of elderly people who have been vaccinated is lower.
It is understood that the risk of oncological diseases, conditions of the disease of COVID-19 and the worst outcomes of the center is quite high for the elderly, especially those who are ill,” warned the public health problems of the National Disease Management on the “Ryto Espresso” show. man specialist Daiva Razmuvienė.
Paradoxically, in Lithuania, seniors were less vaccinated against COVID-19 than people of working age. For example, in the 16-24-year-old age group, 46.8 percent strengthened the dose of the coronavirus vaccine. population, according to the data of the Department of Statistics.
In the 65-69 age group, twice as many revaccinated – 28.5 percent. Then it gets worse. Just over a fifth (21.5%) received the booster vaccine in 1975-1979. seniors.
Will quarantine be needed again?
When asked if a new quarantine is possible if the seniors fail to be vaccinated, the epidemiologist rejected the possibility.
“We are living in the third year of the pandemic, the lesson will be learned and there should be no need to think or plan about the quarantine,” assured D. Razmuvienė.
She explained that the fight against COVID-19 is moving into the phase of managing the seasonal virus. Therefore, the corovirus, if it does not appear completely new, should be a strain that should be managed in the fall in a similar way to the flu.
The Ministry of Health plans to declare epidemics in municipalities with higher morbidity, and control the infection in a smaller area.
Epidemiologists have warned travelers about the coronavirus. “People who are going to travel to the south should not be surprised that there are stricter restrictions. Before the trip, you should familiarize yourself with the situation and prepare for certain inconveniences,” said D. Razmuvienė.
A new subvariant is gaining ground in Europe
The epidemiologist explained that it is difficult to say that the coronavirus will become a seasonal disease. New strains are inevitable, it is difficult to predict which way the evolution of the COVID-19 infection will turn.
“Perhaps the omikron will mutate, a completely new strain will appear, then the situation may turn for the worse. But scientists cannot predict how the coronavirus will behave. At the moment, omikron allows itself to spread faster, but there were no serious hospital cases”, said D. Razmuvienė.
“Summer is the time for vacations and trips. A small increase in the number of sick people was also recorded in Lithuania in June. If we look at the map of Europe, we will see that those southern countries – Spain, Portugal, France – report that this new subvariant has prevailed”, explained D. Razmuvienė.
The omikron variety mutated, she said, but not so significantly that it was assigned a new letter of the Greek alphabet.
“Scientists are noticing that the coronavirus is becoming more contagious with each change. Due to the spread of those strains, the highest number of infections is recorded,” the epidemiologist explained.
Diseases are increasing, but hospitals are quiet
11 percent was recorded in Lithuania this week. Increase in cases of COVID-19. But this week started with even higher numbers of infections. Almost 1 thousand were found in the country during the 24 hours on Monday. new coronavirus case.
Moreover, even 42 percent show a positive attitude. diagnostic tests for COVID-19.
“There is no need to think that we do not have those new subvariants in Lithuania. Of course, the situation is being monitored, but it does not pose a major threat. This is an accelerating process. Other countries in southern Europe have already reached the peak of morbidity”, noted D. Razmuvienė.
According to her, as the number of infections increases, hospitalizations and deaths will also increase. However, the situation in medical facilities does not show any signs of concern.
“During the previous strains, 2-3 weeks after the start of the increase in cases, the number of hospitalizations also caught up. So far, neither Lithuania nor other countries emphasize this process”, emphasized D. Razmuvienė.