Kon: Lifting of state of emergency was a historic mistake, we were convinced the epidemic was over

Photo: Tanjug/Serbian government/Slobodan Miljevic

Epidemiologist Predrag Kon, a member of the Crisis HQ for the fight against coronavirus, says that it will take time to see the effects of the new measures, but that they could be expected in 7 to 10 days.

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"We never experienced such measures, it will take more time to see the result than the first time. In 7 to 10 days is what is expected. The measures are already in force, and they have slowed down the disease, but that is not visible for now, at least in Belgrade, which is the place of the greatest risk," Doctor Kon told RTS.

He said that the Crisis HQ did not discuss reintroducing a curfew at all, but that this does not mean this possibility is ruled out.

"As far as I understand, we cannot be in a state of emergency all the time, which does not mean that this measure is ruled out," says.

Asked if the previous set of measures was relaxed too early and if they would do something differently now, looking back at how how the virus has returned, he replied affirmatively:

"As for the state of emergency and its abolition, it came as the result of the belief that the epidemic had stopped, and that was a historic mistake. But we had to return to the economy. My answer would be there certainly should have been more energetic insistence on other measures that existed."

The curfew in Belgrade; Photo: Tanjug/Andrija Vukelic

He explained that the virus behaves as if it is not at all affected by high temperatures, and pointed out that it is important that new measures have been introduced in the places of super transmission of the virus, where aerosols are formed and accelerate transmission.

"In Belgrade, we monitor the situation from day to day. On July 14, we had 761 suspected cases, and before that we had more than 900. On that day, in one sample at the Torlak Institute, 26 percent came from the territory of Belgrade," said Doctor Kon.

He added that hospitals in Belgrade are full, that there are more than 1,600 bedridden patients, and that new capacities are still being opened.

He also said that the pressure on Covid outpatient clinics has reduced slightly but  is still great:

"But, people should go there, because citizens can get medical help and then go home. Triage is done there."

Masks are mandatory outdoors as well where 1.5 meter distance between people can't be achieved; Photo: Tanjug/Zoran Zestic

21st week of the coronavirus epidemic in Serbia

Today, Serbia is entering the 21st week of the coronavirus epidemic. As Kon said, it will remain an eternal question how much the virus has changed.

"For now, we see the same virus that gives a huge number of changes both in different ages and in the clinical picture, which is serious in younger people as well, and has always been that way in older people. There is no dilemma that the situation is much more serious than in March and April. The virus is in the population. Epidemiological barriers have been completely breached in Belgrade. That is exactly why masks are obligatory for everyone," Doctor Kon said and added that those who are older than 65 and chronically ill are still most at risk:

"Private celebrations and parties should be forgotten this summer, regardless of the fact that this is difficult for everyone. The most concrete message is that only together we get out of this. Wearing a mask prevents the virus from surviving, and if the virus is our enemy, then that is the way we should fight and welcome a vaccine or collective immunity, but now there is more and more talk about a vaccine."

Forget about parties and celebrations; Photo: Tanjug/AP

He was restrained about making any predictions regarding the fall. He said that it is not known how much the virus has entered the population, and how many people have become infected.

"That collective immunity will not be enough. That is why it is to be expected that a new wave will happen to us again in the fall or in late fall. This is the first wave, we need to bring down this one first, so we can see what to do next," said Doctor Kon.

Kon also said that this is the season of West Nile fever, which has been registered in mosquitoes:

"West Nile fever causes encephalitis, i.e., inflammation of the brain, but very often it has mild symptoms. It will certainly be a problem now as well."

(Telegraf.rs)