The World Health Organization (WHO) has released "life-saving" guidance for health systems worldwide, while also sending a message to countries about restricting people's movement.
In his regular briefing, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday morning (NZT) revealed two new manuals for nations fighting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has infected more than 750,000 people worldwide and killed 36,000.
As Dr Ghebreyesus said, the pandemic is having a major strain on countries' health systems, threatening "to leave some… overstretched and unable to operate effectively".
"Previous outbreaks have demonstrated that when health systems are overwhelmed, deaths due to vaccine-preventable and treatable conditions increase dramatically," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"Even though we're in the midst of a crisis, essential health services must continue. Babies are still being born, vaccines must still be delivered, and people still need life-saving treatment for a range of other diseases."
The first of the guidelines discusses how to balance tackling the pandemic with maintaining other essential services.
"This includes a set of targeted, immediate actions to reorganise and maintain access to high-quality essential health services, including routine vaccination; care during pregnancy and childbirth; treatment for infectious and noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions; blood services, and more," he said.
"That includes ensuring an adequate health workforce to deal with the many health needs other than COVID-19."
Dr Ghebreyesus pointed to the United Kingdom having 20,000 healthcare workers return to work to assist in the fight against COVID-19. In New Zealand, hundreds have applied to return to the workforce.
The guidelines are set out in six major sections:
- Establish simplified purpose-designed governance and coordination mechanisms to complement response protocols
- Identify context-relevant essential services
- Optimize service delivery settings and platforms
- Establish effective patient flow (screening, triage, and targeted referral) at all levels
- Rapidly re-distribute health workforce capacity, including by re-assignment and task sharing
- Identify mechanisms to maintain availability of essential medications, equipment and supplies
The Director-General said the surge in cases will likely require countries to set up alternative sites to treat the sick, as was done in China in the early stages of the outbreak and which the United Kingdom is in the process of organising.
The second manual released on Tuesday, which Dr Ghebreyesus described as "life-saving", goes over how to set up screening and triage at health facilities using repurposed buildings or a tent; how to set up a community facility to care for patients with mild symptoms and finally; how to repurpose a hospital or set up a new hospital as a treatment centre.
"These facilities will also have longer-term benefits for health systems once the current crisis is over."
In his briefing, Dr Ghebreyesus also touched on how some countries have restricted domestic and international travel of citizens to limit their exposure to the virus.
"In implementing these measures, it’s vital to respect the dignity and welfare of all people. It’s also important that governments keep their people informed about the intended duration of measures, and to provide support for older people, refugees, and other vulnerable groups," he said.
"Governments need to ensure the welfare of people who have lost their income and are in desperate need of food, sanitation and other essential services.
"Countries should work hand-in-hand with communities to build trust and support resilience and mental health."
New Zealand is currently in lockdown, with its borders closed to all non-citizens or permanent residents. Domestic travel is severely limited, with people told to only leave their houses if it is absolutely necessary.
What we know about coronavirus
The WHO was first notified of cases of the virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) in Wuhan, China on December 31. It was identified as a coronavirus on January 7 and can spread via human-to-human transmission. It causes the coronavirus COVID-19 illness.
The virus is primarily spread through droplets in the air after someone sneezes or coughs, however, it can also be contracted by touching surfaces where the illness is present. The length of time the virus stays alive on surfaces isn't fully understood, but some studies have suggested that on some materials it could be for days.
"Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death," the WHO says.
"Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing."
There is currently no vaccine for the sickness.
How can I protect myself?
- avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands
- washing your hands before eating
- carrying a hand sanitiser at all times
- being particularly mindful of touching your face after using public transport or going to the airport
- carry tissues at all times to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (then dispose of it)
- not eating shared or communal food
- avoiding shaking hands, kissing cheeks
- regularly cleaning and sanitise commonly used surfaces and items, such as phones and keys
- avoiding close contact with people suffering from or showing symptoms of acute respiratory infection
- seeking medical attention if you feel unwell.
