Recent days have seen record increases in COVID-19 cases and the return of restrictions aimed at halting the third wave of the pandemic. According to experts, the British mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is more contagious and causes infection faster, is responsible for the exponential increase in new cases.
Referral for COVID-19 test without queuing
The interest in COVID-19 tests is also systematically growing. Many people try to call the clinic to ask for a referral. In the meantime, such a document can be obtained without queuing. Patients who suspect they have COVID-19 can register online. Just fill out the form available on the website https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/zapisz-sie-na-test-na-koronawirusa Based on the answers provided in the survey, the system qualifies for the test. People who have been qualified for it are contacted by consultants from the Home Medical Care Monitoring Center.
The third wave of the pandemic in the Kobierzyce Commune
The new wave of the pandemic is also making itself felt in the Kobierzyce Commune. In March, NZOZ Twój Lekarz clinics issued 5 times more referrals for coronavirus tests than at the beginning of the year. The hotline and registration recorded over 15 thousand phone calls in the first three weeks of March.
"We make every effort to ensure that every patient who needs help receives it as quickly as possible. However, there are days when there are dozens of people waiting in line to register by phone.” – says Kamila Kosińska, Coordinator of the Registration Team of NZOZ Twój Lekarz. This is a lot, if we consider that since the beginning of the pandemic, the capacity of the telephone switchboard serving clinics has been doubled.
The increase in COVID-19 cases isn't the only reason for the high demand at healthcare facilities in recent weeks. Since the beginning of March, patients registering with doctors have had the option of either a teleconsultation or an in-person visit. This has led to significantly more people choosing to visit a clinic. Over the past three weeks, the NZOZ Twój Lekarz (Your Doctor) provided 10,000 primary care consultations. There were also 1,500 appointments with specialists.
"Due to the significant increase in the number of direct visits, we appeal to our Patients to be reasonable" – emphasizes Mariola Madler Litera – head of NZOZ Twój Lekarz. "People who have symptoms of infection, but have not yet had COVID-19 and have not been vaccinated, should report this during telephone registration. We do not want to create a situation in which SARS-CoV-2 patients could pose a threat to other patients in clinics.” – adds the doctor.
Another reason for the significantly increased traffic in healthcare facilities is the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. So far, patients have received nearly 2,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine at six NZOZ Twój Lekarz vaccination centers. A batch of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine is expected to arrive at clinics in March.
Vaccinations of chronically ill people:
Vaccination of chronically ill people has been underway since March 15. The following groups are covered by registration:
- people on dialysis due to chronic renal failure,
- people with cancer who were treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy after 31 December 2019,
- people after cell, tissue and organ transplants who are undergoing immunosuppressive treatment,
- persons undergoing chronic mechanical ventilation.
Registration for vaccinations for other groups takes place according to the following schedule:
- March 22 registration for 1952-1956 age groups
- March 23-25 registration for 1952-1961 age groups
- March 25-27 additional registration for the 70+ group
Experts emphasize that widespread vaccination is the only effective method to control the pandemic. However, before the majority of society gains immunity, we must remember simple ways to fight the dangerous virus. Distance, frequent hand disinfection and wearing masks that cover the mouth and nose - these are the basics that ensure everyday safety.