The death toll from novel coronavirus in China rose to 304. The authorities in the Chinese province of Hubei, which is the hotbed, on February 2 announced 45 new deaths. Prime Minister Ion Chicu in the morning of February 2 convened a meeting with responsible officials who reported what measures have been taken to keep the situation in Moldova under control. At the end, there was approved a decision specifying the measures that are to be taken by the state institutions. It was also decided to further assess the risks to public health and to consider announcing a yellow code advisory, IPN reports.
According to Premier Chicu, after the WHO declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, all the governments of the world are taking complex measures to ensure public health security. He noted that speculations and panic over the issue should be prevented.
Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbrăveanu said the first case of infection with novel coronavirus was recorded last December and the number of infected persons in the first week of this January alone increased to 59. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses known for containing strains that cause potentially deadly diseases in mammals and birds. In humans they are typically spread via airborne droplets of fluid produced by infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, coughing, breathing problems and other signs of the common cold. Measles, diphtheria and tuberculosis are more contagious than the coronavirus.
The minister noted that a number of prevention and control measures were ordered. The health facilities have been provided with medicines and consumables for a period of 60-90 days. The store of the antiviral flu drug Tamiflu in 58 institutions consists of 1,180 pieces that is sufficient to cope with cases of respiratory infection the current season. There was also purchased an extra consignment of 3,114 packs.
Viorica Dumbrăveanu said that no case of novel coronavirus has been reported in Moldova so far and the epidemiological situation in the country is under supervision.
