The number of coronavirus patients has recently shown a slight upward trend, and authorities expect an increase in the number of newly registered cases in anticipation of the tourist season, but not a sudden one.
This is what the Institute for Public Health told "Vijesta".
According to the data of that health institution, the virus now shows a low intensity of activity, a wide distribution and a slight upward trend.
"In the last two weeks, there has been an increase in the number of registered positive cases by about 17 percent, while the number of hospitalized cases has decreased by about 30 percent," said the IJZ.
They claim that they monitor the epidemiological situation on a daily basis and that they will act quickly and efficiently in order to control it if necessary, but that they need the help of citizens and the media.
Immunity weakens after six months
The IJZ said that the increase in the number of new cases is expected because the pandemic is still ongoing everywhere in the world, but also that the immunity acquired through vaccination or infection is weakening.
"Given that research has revealed that immunity, i.e. protection, drops sharply six months after natural infection or vaccination, and the fact is that we had the biggest wave of illness at the beginning of January, the temporal decline of collective immunity, which at one point in our country as a result of both natural infections and vaccinations amounted to 85 percent, coinciding with the six-month time period from the peak of the wave of illness", answered the IJZ.
They emphasized that it is necessary to be vaccinated six months after the previous infection or vaccination as long as the pandemic lasts.
However, as it takes time for the virus to increase the intensity of its activity in the population after collective immunity, the IJZ do not expect a significant sudden increase in infected people.
"The spread of the virus is also favored by minimal anti-epidemic measures in the world and in our country, natural circumstances characterized by a warm climate wave that causes greater mobility of people and closer contacts," claim the IJZ.
They explained that the most significant indicators of the epidemic, the number of hospitalizations and deaths, are now at a stable low level, while the two-week rate of illness is slightly increasing, which gives them hope that the epidemic in Montenegro is still under, first of all, natural control.
Poor vaccination results
Vaccination against the coronavirus is at an unsatisfyingly low level.
This was admitted by the IJZ and explained that it is probably a consequence of the reduced number of illnesses in the last five months.
"That's why, on this occasion, we appeal to citizens, especially risk groups, elderly people, people with problems in the immune response and/or with chronic diseases, to be vaccinated, and if they have already received their 'booster', i.e. additional doses of six months after primary vaccination or primary infection. Also, it is necessary to adhere to the basic epidemiological measures, wearing a protective mask, especially in closed spaces, proper hand hygiene and keeping an adequate distance", emphasized the IJZ.
From that institution, they emphasized that the government has provided a sufficient number of free, safe and effective vaccines for all citizens of Montenegro, so the vaccines should be used to protect the population from the epidemic spread of the disease and a broad social response to this pandemic.
Only about 46 percent of the total population received the second dose of the vaccine against the coronavirus in Montenegro. By Friday, 99.810 citizens, or 16 percent, had been vaccinated with the third, booster dose.
EU members also canceled covid confirmation
Almost all countries where tourism is the main economic branch have lifted restrictions on entering the country with covid certificates.
On May 1, Italy and Greece eased anti-epidemic measures, so at the borders until August 31 it is not necessary to show a certificate of vaccination or previous illness. This was also done by Croatia. According to Montenegrin measures, both citizens and foreigners can enter Montenegro through all border crossings without having a covid certificate.
The IJZ replied that due to the increased number of people in Montenegro, which is characteristic of the summer tourist season, and in the conditions of the pandemic, it is to be expected that the number of infected people will increase.
No new significant virus mutations
The IJZ explained that for the time being, the micron strain is still circulating in Montenegro and the world, which is characterized by the highest infectivity of all strains, but also a shorter period of infectivity and a milder clinical picture.
"No dominant mutations have been recorded that would change the natural course of infection, which gives hope that the pandemic will stabilize at a low level of activity," the IJZ pointed out.
They claim that in accordance with that, by daily monitoring of the epidemiological situation in the country and the world, and by analyzing important indicators of mortality and hospitalization, they will propose anti-epidemic measures when necessary.
They explained that the IJZ working group currently meets every two weeks, but that they monitor the epidemiological situation daily.
The risk is greatest for the elderly and chronically ill
Epidemiologist Milena Popović Samardžić told "Vijesta" that the new variants of omicron strain BA.4 and BA.5 mostly cause a milder clinical picture, but spread significantly more easily.
"Many people have built up some immunity by now, either from previous infection or vaccination, which has helped make the disease less risky overall," she said.
She pointed out that many countries have lifted restrictions since the covid epidemic, which means that people are "mingling" more, which gives the virus a greater chance of spreading.
"It seems that BA.4 and BA.5 omicron can infect people who have recently recovered from an infection caused by other subvariants of Omicron. A wave of large numbers of new infections could lead to more hospitalizations. The risk of serious illness remains the highest for people who are elderly or have associated chronic diseases".
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
