The first wave of the coronavirus epidemic affected the elderly most; now, however, most positive cases are being diagnosed among young people aged between 20 and 29, the Chief Medical Officer said at the online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic held on Saturday.

Cecília Müller said the “nature” of the second wave of the epidemic is different from that of the first one, and therefore it is necessary to adopt a different kind of containment strategy.

She added that in the spring the average age of coronavirus patients was higher; the average age of the infected patients of the two waves currently stands at 41, and regarding the last ten days it is just 35.

She pointed out that while the majority of the infected are young, they can transmit the virus to persons who are most at risk. The elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases continue to remain most at risk, the Chief Medical Officer stressed.

Ms. Müller also spoke about the tighter rules to be introduced from Monday, including the extension of the wearing of face masks, the closing of catering establishments and entertainment venues at 11.00 p.m. and the compulsory body temperature checks to be introduced in public education institutions from October.

In the context of the wearing of face masks, she said from Monday scarves or kerchiefs will no longer be sufficient to cover the face, only textile or medical masks will be allowed in the future.

She said these are provisions which do not hinder daily life, but make it safer.

The expert also highlighted that the vaccine against the seasonal flu will be available in the second half of October, this time free of charge for everyone. She indicated that the administration of the vaccine will be possible after booking an appointment with a general practitioner.

In answer to a question, the Chief Medical Officer said they check hospitals daily to ascertain whether they have the physical and personnel conditions necessary for the treatment of patients.

There is an action plan for the treatment of coronavirus patients, the goal is to provide care for them in institutions where all the necessary conditions are available, she added.

With the rise in the number of patients requiring hospitalisation, new hospitals are joining the ranks of institutions treating such patients continuously, she said.

If an institution reaches 80 per cent of its total capacity, they are obliged to inform the National Centre for Public Health which will designate new hospitals for the hospitalisation of coronavirus patients. At present, we have not exhausted the available capacities, she stated.

Regarding the reduction of the compulsory home quarantine from 14 days to 10 days, Ms. Müller said they took international experiences into consideration as it is possible to ascertain whether a person is infected within ten days, including the incubation period of 5 to 6 days. In a number of countries in Europe, 10 days is the normal duration of quarantine.

In answer to another question, Ms. Müller said during the second wave of the epidemic, 5 per cent of health care workers have become infected.

In order to avoid the need for implementing tighter restrictive measures, everyone will have to demonstrate maximum discipline, the Chief Medical Officer highlighted.

Ms. Müller said in answer to a question relating to the technical personnel necessary for the operation of ventilators that after the commissioning of ventilators, the personnel operating them – critical care anaesthesiologists, critical care assistants, nurses and everyone working around the machines – receive training and information. They are only allowed to operate ventilators according to the relevant instructions after they have received training.

She added that if there is any problem with a machine, it is replaced with a backup machine.

The Chief Medical Officer stressed that there is a need for a service company or technician employed on the basis of a contract of engagement for minor troubleshooting in order to repair minor defects onsite. There is no need for the ongoing onsite presence of a technician, it is important to be able to reach one at all times, and for this health care providers have contracts, she stressed.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)