The number of newly infected cases with COVID-19 in North Macedonia is above 100 on a day to day basis.
Is the health system i.e. the state doing enough when it comes to fighting the COVID-19? What else can be done in order to stop the rise of numbers of newly infected? What other options do we have?
To answer these questions, Meta.mk asked for the opinions of Dr. Nikola Panovski, a professor of Medical Microbiology, and epidemiologist Dr. Aleksandar Stojanov of the Commission for Infectious Diseases.
-There is nothing else what it can be done but to appeal to the people not to gather in groups and it would best to fine them if they are gathering in large groups. They are like biological bombs. We haven’t had a major explosion so far, but if they continue, it can happen. In Resen there weren’t any confirmed infection cases and in Ohrid the situation was almost the same, and look at the situation now! Let’s preserve at least those cities that were “clean” – said Panovski.
Regarding the decision to open all border crossings and the airports, Panovski thinks it is more likely we will spread the virus abroad than it to import it from outside.
-We have a hotspot. I think if you observe all measures you will not get infected anywhere, but the chances are greater that we shall be exporting the virus outside our borders.
Epidemiologist Dr. Alexander Stojanov, says that these numbers will be high until all the measures are duly observed.
-We cannot disobey the measures and to expect the numbers of newly infected to start dropping. it’s as if a sick man doesn’t drink his medication and is expecting his illness to go away. In these circumstances, the cure is to locate the sick and to isolate him. This also can be stopped with a vaccine, but since there is no vaccine, there is no other alternative. If infected people start walking around with positive results, the virus will not stop – said Stojanov.
