CEO of Sofia Emergency Hospital: We Need Two Weeks of Draconian Anti-Epidemic Measures

The CEO of the Pirogov Emergency Hospital Prof. Asen Baltov believes that it is absolutely necessary now to introduce very stringent measures for two weeks to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"In my opinion, kindergartens should be temporarily closed, at least for two weeks. Schoolchildren from 1st to 5th grade should go back to online learning for as long as they can. Of course, you can't lock up the kids, but let the gyms and restaurants work. I think we really need to understand that two weeks of austerity are a must now," he told Nova TV.

Prof. Baltov reiterated that the virus has changed. "Out of 46 hospitalized patients, only two do not have the British strain. It has already settled permanently in Bulgaria, in Sofia", added the director of the emergency hospital.

He also commented that there are increasingly more coronavirus patients under the age of 18 who need treatment in hospital.

"All of them are diagnosed with pneumonia and are treated with antibiotics. So far, there are none in serious condition. During the past peak period, there were also those who needed artificial ventilation," explained Prof. Baltov, adding that 20 more beds will be set up for children in Pirogov emergency hospital.

He announced that Pirogov bed capacity is gradually filled up. "Today we have 390 people in the hospital, including 10 children. 40 patients are intubated, on artificial ventilation," said Prof. Baltov.

The Director pointed out that patients who turn for help are still being admitted to hospital.

"All necessary tests are being done. If we really don't have suitable beds, because we are running out of those equipped with oxygen, then the patients are directed elsewhere through emergency services," explained Prof. Baltov.

The head of the hospital pointed out that according to the mathematical model, the peak of the newly infected is expected to be on April 10.

"I hope that if vaccination rate is stepped up, we will seriously reduce the risk of infection and will see good results by the end of June," he added.

According to him, control over the pandemic is not lost. "The sad thing will be not to have no places in restaurants, but to have no places in hospitals," Prof. Baltov said.

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