If people continue to be frivolous and do not follow basic rules, my forecast is negative – the next peak will be in the fall of 2021. This was stated in an interview with kmeta.bg. the director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Prof. Todor Kantardzhiev.
According to him, the introduction of stricter measures will help if the number of vaccinated increases.
“If people stop making fun of each other and take the situation seriously – the measures must be strictly observed, whether they are stricter or not. Otherwise, the cases will never be reduced, and our fight will be quite long – with each cold will we are facing a lockdown, “he said.
Here is the full text of his interview with kmeta.bg.
– Prof. Kantardzhiev, how does the current covid situation differ from last year’s?
– The cases are now thousands, 4500. Last year at the same time there were dozens. There was a mental strain on people in the beginning, especially in the first months.
To date, the number of covid specialists has increased, and the number of colleagues tearing up their diplomas has also increased. I am not among them.
I will remember the past year with great tension and countless sleepless nights. The first cases of covid in our country were in the hospitals in Gabrovo and Pleven. At that time we had only 2 working laboratories, there were no fast antigen tests, there were no more than 150 laboratories, there were no masks, protective clothing.
However, I think everything was under control. The mistake was that many people were allowed, one part, calling themselves doctors, to create a distrust in society, and from there comes the fear. I have always been honest with people, I have not hidden anything, I am pure in front of my conscience.
– Will stricter measures really help to control the situation and reduce the number of new infections?
– They will help us if the number of vaccinated increases. If people stop making fun of each other and take the situation seriously, the measures must be strictly adhered to, whether they are stricter or not. Otherwise, the cases will never decrease, and our fight will be quite long – we will face a lockdown with each cold.
– When to expect an end to the pandemic after all?
– In general, a pandemic lasts about 2 years, then the virus occurs with seasonal peaks. It is strongest in late autumn and early winter, shortly before the flu, then it will become endemic. This means small groups of sick people, but with a longer duration.
It will appear in separate groups, families and groups in the coming years, but will not be pandemic. But if people continue to be frivolous and do not follow basic rules, my forecast is negative – the next peak will be the fall of 2021.
Personal responsibility is very important. 85% of people follow the measures, 10% do not follow them due to misunderstanding and neglect and 5% do it on purpose and in vain. Most likely, the circulation of the virus will decrease in the summer due to the warm weather.
So far, the Brazilian, South African and Nigerian mutations of the virus are not in Bulgaria. Only the British strain has it. All mutations are covered by the vaccines, except for one – the Nigerian one from December, which is easier to get. New mutations are also possible.
Companies are ready, if any, to adapt vaccines within a month to meet the latest mutations. If there is a new mutation that is not covered by the vaccines, we will have to make another vaccine in the fall.
– Should Bulgaria seek vaccines from third countries outside the agreements with the EU?
– The European Commission has signed a contract with seven companies. This is good, because otherwise the big countries would be vaccinated, and the small ones, like Bulgaria, would wait. But the situation is being used by anti-vaxers, both politically and financially.
Antivaxers explain every death with vaccines, but since we all drink water, does that mean I have to say that all diseases are from water?
– Your work is very hard, but you are still positive. How do you handle responsibilities professionally and personally?
“It’s really hard.” Combining the work of the Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases with the responsibilities of the Operational Headquarters melts the minutes for rest. I dedicate a little free time to my favorite activities. The dog walks first.
Then I try to read something or talk to someone I enjoy talking to. Lately, I have been making every effort to find as many well-meaning people as possible to help the Bulgarian citizens in the fight. Survival is about laughing – every time we have a chance.
– What would you recommend to people – should they go to sea this year and where – at home or abroad?
– Must go to sea. And let them avoid vacationing outside Bulgaria, especially in countries where different strains from the British are rampant. So, Bulgarians, go to sea, keep your distance, strictly follow the measures.
– How do you personally fight infections? Do your colleagues recommend soups in the fight against covid?
– Yes, that’s right, my colleague Mangarov bet on soup balls and chicken, also on cream soup. However, I rely on natural antioxidants. This infection does not like antioxidants. Lemon with soda also helps.
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