Coronavirus Chronicle in Moldova: The Epidemic Reached a New Level

Marina DRAGALIN For several weeks now, more and more coronavirus infected people have been detected in Moldova. However, the recent days’ increase in the number of cases has become significantly rapid, thus the previously seemed peak numbers are gradually becoming a norm. The number of the new type of coronavirus cases around the world continued to grow over the past days; many countries of the world have detected peak values of COVID-19 new cases. The number of people contaminated with coronavirus is approaching 25 million. The pandemic has already claimed the lives of more than 835 thousand people. Against this background, countries are introducing new restrictions and are tightening sanitary standards. The coronavirus infection epidemic has reached a completely new level in Moldova. The country has confirmed 35.5 thousand cases of coronavirus infection, out of which more than 10 thousand are active. Nearly 34,000 more residents of the republic are under suspicion. It is necessary to understand that the indicators soared extremely sharp showing the last 10 days on average 517 (!) detected new cases a day. Just to compare, during the June peak, the maximum daily value reached 478 new cases. High mortality rates still preserve, thus, 977 people have already died of coronavirus in Moldova. The number of patients in serious condition, connected to mechanical ventilation devices is quite large. The proportion of positive tests is also alarming. Endocrinologist Elena Bivol, who works in the control room of the COVID-19 Center at Moldexpo, says that "if in May the virus was diagnosed in about 50% of cases, then recently almost 70% show a positive result.” The healthcare system is coping with the tense epidemiological situation with its last strength. Every 10 minutes the COVID center at Moldexpo receives at an average one patient suspected with virus. Doctors and medical staff, 90 people all together, work seven days a week. Employees work flat out and the problem of staff shortage and its fatigue becomes more acute every day. The government is taking steps to support medical personnel. In particular, those who got COVID-19 contaminated while on duty will receive a one-time allowance of 16 thousand lei. For these purposes more than 25 million lei will be allocated from the State Investment Fund. To date, more than 2,000 people have already used this benefit. In addition, the government approved paying benefits to the heirs of medical workers who died from complications caused by the coronavirus. It is assumed that the spouse will receive a monthly allowance of 50% of the deceased's salary for five years, and children 75% of the salary until the age of 18. Unfortunately, the population continues to disbelieve the virus existence and accordingly, do not take sanitary measures seriously. Thus, according to the deputy director of the transport department Sergiu Baltag, “both the employees of the bus stations, the drivers and passengers, completely ignore the recommendations of the emergency commission. Everyone is absolutely indifferent to the epidemiological situation in the country, they travel in public transport without masks and they wear it only when the inspector would make a remark. " Recently, Prime Minister Ion Chicu once again criticized citizens who forgot that the country is in a serious epidemiological situation. “I urge you to follow the rules during holidays. The number of new cases has increased significantly. We expect new anti-records. Be careful, the medical system in Moldova is limited. The number of hospital beds is limited. Observe the rules,” the prime minister urged. Ion Chicu also warned that if the number of infected continues to increase, new restrictions will be introduced: “Last week, the country recorded the largest increase in COVID-19 new cases. The reason is that people neglect prevention measures everywhere. " Due to pandemic, Moldovan national holidays, celebrated at the end of August, will be held in a limited format: the program includes only flowers laying, the presentation of the state prize and a concert. In addition, the current epidemiological situation may lead to the fact that not all schools will open on September 1. According to Prime Minister Ion Chicu, some institutions will not be given permission to open. “We hope that during this period educational institutions will take the necessary measures to admit children. Only those institutions that can prepare will be reopened. We posted instructions in July and updated them last week. A lot of work has been done during this period. Hopefully most of the institutions will be ready. However, we admit that not everyone will receive permission to open,” Chicu emphasized. To date, the state of emergency in healthcare has been extended in Moldova until September 15. Accordingly, the ban on organizing weddings and christenings is in force, and nightclubs, theaters and cinemas remain closed. At the same time, it is allowed to hold festive events in restaurants and cafes if no more than 50 people take part in and comply with measures to combat the virus spread. Obviously, there is no need to talk about the controllability of the situation with coronavirus in Moldova. The epidemiological crisis continues and given population’s behavior, it will further continue. Now the citizens of the republic have a new test of conscience - the five-day August "vacation". After them, it will become clear whether Moldova is able to seize control of the situation and prevent the early second wave of the epidemic’s onset.