Batut Institute reacts to growing number of new Covid cases: Masks recommended, here's who should self isolate

Photo: Tanjug/AP

During the last two weeks there has been an increase in the number of new Covid cases in Serbia, which is accompanied by an increase in the number of patients receiving hospital treatment, the Batut Institute of Public Health of Serbia announced today.

Recommended

As stated, based on the analysis of the data that the institute collects every day, a gradual increase in the number of patients without sudden spikes is expected.

It is stated that the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and all its subvariants have been detected in Serbia and added that compared to earlier circulating variants of the virus, infections caused by Omicron are less likely to lead to a serious clinical outcome requiring hospital treatment or admission to intensive care.

"In accordance with the current epidemiological situation and the characteristics of the virus, it is expected that the epidemiological situation concerning COVID-19 in the coming period will be stable and maintained at a controlled level," a statement reads.

Vaccination

All citizens who have not been vaccinated are recommended to do so now, and those who have been vaccinated with two doses should receive booster doses of the vaccine, the first after at least three months.

The second booster dose is recommended for people who are especially at risk of developing infections, namely people with chronic diseases and conditions of weakened immunity, people over 60 and health workers.

As indicated, it is possible to receive a second booster dose of the vaccine if more than five months have passed since the previous booster dose.

Masks

Regardless of the vaccination status, all citizens are recommended to wear protective masks in closed rooms or outdoors in situations where a large number of people gather and it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of two meters, especially in public transport, in waiting rooms, offices, elevators and other places where a number of people gather.

It is also recommended to maintain hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.

People who are at increased risk of developing severe forms of the disease should in particular avoid crowded places, and if they visit them, it is recommended to wear protective masks, according to the institute.

Isolation and Covid clinics

All persons who have symptoms of infection, especially symptoms of infection of the respiratory organs (nose, throat, lungs), are recommended to isolate themselves at home and to see a doctor at a Covid clinic.

"When it comes to the working or living environment, it is necessary to practice regular cleaning and provide good ventilation of closed spaces, natural ventilation wherever possible, and as warm days are ahead of us, we recommend that people stay outdoors more often and that gatherings and socializing is organized in open spaces with a smaller number of people," the statement reads.

Measures in health and social welfare institutions

It is stated that in addition to the aforementioned recommendations that apply to all citizens, measures for special categories are also prescribed, namely the mandatory wearing of masks in healthcare institutions and social welfare institutions, as well as a ban on visiting patients in healthcare institutions.

(Telegraf.rs)