Over the past period, we have witnessed a certain encouraging trend in the coronavirus pandemic in our country. The decline in the number of infections and the predominance of survivors have led to mitigation measures in the quarantine regime and the resumption of work in some areas. However, the expectation of a "second wave" that frightens and worries people remains.
The country's chief infectious disease specialist Jalal Isayev answered Telegraf.com's questions on the subject.
We present the interview:
- Doctor, we are currently witnessing a wave of infection statistics. How long do you think the trend will last?
- This is a characteristic feature of all infections, sometimes increasing, sometimes decreasing. Recently, the number of infections has dropped to 67. The current number of infections does not depend on the measures we take, but on the compliance of our citizens with the rules. The more strictly we follow the rules, the lower the number of infections.
- There is still a question that worries us, what is the probability of a person infected with the coronavirus for the second time?
- We do not yet have information on the duration of immunity to COVID-19. The data we have reported so far have been based on experiments we have seen with other types of coronoviruses. No matter how much immunity develops in all infections, recurrences are not excluded. As well as coronavirus ... I want to say that they can have individual re-infections. But in this case, the disease will pass mildly.
- Do you think that the current situation is a harbinger of the second wave?
- In order for the second wave to occur, the incidence of infection must be minimized. For example, the number of infections in Georgia has dropped sharply, but now the second wave has begun. The first wave is still going on in our country, as it is in most countries of the world. A second wave is likely to occur in some countries.
- Can we see the minimum number of infections you mentioned this fall?
- Everything is possible. It depends on us. All government agencies, health care organizations and relevant agencies are doing their best to prevent the spread of the disease. The main cause of the spread of the disease is some people who approach the infection with their fingers.
- Classes in primary school have been restored in the traditional way. Do you think that teachers wearing masks can interfere with the teaching process for young children?
- If children can wear masks, teachers should. Wearing a mask is mandatory for everyone. Most primary school children cannot wear masks. But my grandson is an elementary school student, and some of the children in his class wear masks more neatly than the adults. Looks at the child's ingenuity ...
It is important for teachers to wear masks. Explain the lesson with a mask, what will happen? Don't look for excuses ...
- Your colleagues believe that the suspension of weddings will affect demographics. What is your opinion on this issue?
- This is a lie. Demographics do not affect the wedding. We have young families with so many weddings ... Or we have couples who have a wedding with a limited number of people. This approach is an excuse. We all want weddings to be restored as soon as possible, and our young people to get married. If we want to achieve this, we must strictly follow the recommendations given. If the incidence of infection goes down, wedding dreams will come true.
- Over the past month, quarantine mitigation measures have pleased citizens. Can this situation continue?
- Let me explain the issue like this. Let's implement a very strict quarantine regime, let's not let people go to the flag, let's control when the flag goes. What will happen then? If the person who goes on holiday does not follow this law, there is no point in applying the strictest quarantine rules.
In my opinion, the quarantine regime should be relaxed, but the recommendations should be strictly followed. This will minimize the incidence of infections.