All the suspect cases of SARS-CoV-2 will be tested so as to confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19. Until the result is obtained, the administered medical treatment will be centered on the patent’s needs. The patients with asymptomatic forms of COVID-19 will not be prescribed treatment, says the fifth edition of the National Clinical Protocol “Infection with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)”, IPN reports.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, the updated protocol provides that the patients with asymptomatic forms of COVID-19, who are treated at home and whose state of health is likely to worsen, are recommended to supervise blood-oxygen saturation (SaO2) with a pulse oximeter at home. The patients with mild forms of COVID-19 are not recommended treatment with antibiotics and glucocorticoids.

Increased attention will be devoted to psychosocial support strategies for promptly determining anxiety and symptoms of depression in patients with COVID-19. Before discharge, the patients with COVID-19 will be examined to determine their rehabilitation needs and to facilitate subsequent referral.

The pregnant women and new mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 will have access to qualified care centered on the woman, obstetrical, fetal and neonatal assistance and on mental health and psychosocial support with available assistance in case of maternal and neonatal complications. The children suspected of having or confirmed with COVID-19 should be accompanied whenever it is possible.

The document was updated by the Ministry of Health’s working group that consists of members of the responsible commissions of the Ministry, teachers of “Nicolae Testemițanu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy and epidemiologists of the National Public Health Agency, and is based on the most topical recommendations of the WHO and good international practices concerning COVID-19.