The number of COVID infections is growing: Almaty residents are urged to limit contacts
According to the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, 360 cases of coronavirus infection have been registered in Almaty over the past 24 hours.
“In case of non-observance of these recommendations and an increase in contacts on holidays, a sharp exacerbation of the situation with COVID and an explosive increase in the number of diseases is likely. As a result, the load on infectious diseases hospitals will increase and quarantine measures on enterprises and organizations will be tightened. It is in our common interest not to allow the situation to worsen. Everyone needs to show responsibility and caution, remind relatives and friends of the need to comply with sanitary safety rules. This is the only way we will be able to protect each other, to keep our health, ”said A. Kalykova, Deputy Head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Almaty.
The epidemiological situation in terms of COVID in Almaty has become more complicated since March 2 of this year, with a transition to the "yellow" zone of the assessment matrix, and since March 10 - to the "red" zone. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 27,361 cases of coronavirus infection have been registered (the figure is 1,344.7 per 100 thousand population), as well as 1,666 cases of coronavirus pneumonia.
The increase in the incidence of COVID began on March 3, when 121 cases of COVID were registered per day, reaching 360 cases per day on March 13. At the same time, the number of PCR tests performed has increased compared to the previous month - from 5100 per day to 6058 per day, including from 2400 to 3482 self-referral tests in private laboratories on a paid basis.
Of the 360 cases of COVID identified on March 13, 359 are local and 1 imported from Istanbul. 269 are symptomatic and 91 are asymptomatic. Today, there are 1287 people (57 children) in infectious diseases hospitals, of which 14 are in an extremely serious condition, 131 are in a serious condition, and 1142 are of a moderate severity.
There are 7 patients on mechanical ventilation, 19 on non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
The incidence rate for the last 7 days was 61.2 with a reproductive number R - 1.3. Over the past day, 360 cases of COVID have been registered.
In the dynamics of the development of the COVID epidemic in March, there is a tendency to an increase in the incidence after stabilization in February. So, in the first week of February 770 cases were recorded, in the second - 740 cases, in the third - 721, in the fourth - 714 cases. During the first week of March, 923 cases were recorded, from March 8 to 13 - 1365 cases.
Epidemiological investigations have established reliable and probable sites of infection. Thus, families with infections from sick members remain reliable sites of infection - 36%; labor collectives - 6%; overseas trips when the disease is imported from disadvantaged countries - 2%.
Probable places of infection are public places (communal facilities, public service centers, trade facilities, polyclinics and medical centers) - 42.8%; public transport - 17%; family events - 3%.
According to the deputy head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Almaty, Asel Kalykova, the reasons for the growth of COVID in March are the increase in social contacts of the urban population and the migration of the suburban population associated with visiting public places (42.8%). In addition, the chain transmission of infection to family members from those infected in public transport and public places influenced the worsening of the situation (36% were infected in families).
In relation to the beginning of studies in grades 1-5 in schools, an increase in the incidence of children under 14 years of age by 22.4% was recorded - from 138 to 169 cases over the last 7 days.
At the same time, the growth of COVID is facilitated by the irresponsible behavior of asymptomatic patients who violate the self-isolation regime. During a control detour of addresses with patients with COVID, it was found that 76 patients and contacts violated the quarantine regime and were absent from home, 7 contacts were at work.
In this regard, specialists of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Almaty urge residents of the megapolis to limit contacts and strictly observe sanitary safety measures. This includes wearing masks, treating hands with antiseptics, maintaining social distance when visiting public places.