Deputy Minister of Health Živilė Simonaitytė to the news portal JP explains why the number of patients is increasing COVID-19. In addition, the Deputy Minister presented pilot projects that can help control the insidious disease.
– Why has COVID-19 worsened despite the growing number of people vaccinated? What influences the increase in diseases?
– COVID-19 disease – seasonal disease. It is related not only to the weather, but also to human activity. We see this now when we analyze outbreaks, and statistics show that the number of cases is increasing. Of course, we have the largest number of outbreaks in educational establishments. Pupils returned to schools and students to universities. A lively educational process has begun in confined spaces, and good conditions have been created for the spread of that virus. In addition, children under a certain age cannot be vaccinated, which leads to a sufficiently high spread of the disease.
– After Lithuania enters the “black” color zone of the pandemic, some politicians offer to return the mandatory wearing of masks. Do you think this proposal is timely and will be accepted?
– This is best commented and considered by epidemiologists, not politicians. In addition, this issue will be discussed at the Government meeting and it is planned to discuss the rules of the recommendation to wear masks.
– There has been talk of a pilot project in which GPs will be able to vaccinate. And the project will start in Vilnius municipality. When will the project accelerate and cover the whole country?
– Although I am not creating a project, but the fact that people still need to be educated about the benefits and effectiveness of vaccines, and the main goal is to bring the vaccine closer to everyone who has not been vaccinated. Such a project exists and will distribute vaccines to GPs so that they can engage in vaccination. Especially since the role of the family doctor is very important. Therefore, it is increasingly proposed that vaccinations be available simply at a polyclinic during a routine visit. When the project will start in the territories of other municipalities, I could not specify.
– A pilot project is being implemented in Trakai district, where a nurse who vaccinates people travels together with the letter. If successful, will the project be extended?
– Yes, this is another pilot project of the Ministry together with the Lithuanian Post, because the correspondents are people who are closer to the people in the districts. He started not only in Trakai district municipality, but also in some others. If successful, this project will cover the whole of Lithuania. This tool is designed to vaccinate seniors more, but can be vaccinated by others who wish. After all, the most important thing is a safe and healthy society.
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