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Czechia has already been standing still for six weeks and, according to eleven doctors from Charles University, that is wrong. The experts did praise the government for its quick response to the coronavirus, but they say the time has come to lift the restrictive measures. Covid-19 is said to be a threat to those already ill.
Eleven doctors from Charles University call on the government to end the measures against the spread of the coronavirus.
Otherwise, they say, the impact on Czechia will be catastrophic.
„It is necessary to acknowledge the government for the first quick and nationwide measures that undoubtedly helped manage the risks. At present, in view of current epidemiological data and the development of the epidemic, it is essential to fundamentally accelerate the easing of measures – for the benefit of citizens’ health, the country’s economic and social stability and prosperity,“ the university’s rector said in the appeal.
According to the doctors, it is necessary to end the state of emergency on April 30, 2020 and not extend it further. The government will discuss this on Wednesday. They also want to restore access to healthcare for everyone, resume the operation of schools during May, remove obstacles to the functioning of the economy and prevent the collapse of companies and sole traders. Last but not least, they call for the opening of borders. They perceive some government measures as chaotic and contradictory. They urged ministers to adopt well-considered solutions.
„In our statement we draw on current epidemiological data, knowledge, facts, expertise and also on our professional and practical experience and findings,“ the doctors said in the declaration.
Threat to healthcare
They are convinced that the coronavirus in the Czech Republic most endangers patients who are already ill.
„It appears that the worsening prognosis of covid-19 is related primarily to comorbidity, not to age as such. It concerns nutritional disorders, oncological and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, perhaps some medications,“ they said. They also emphasized that concentrating all healthcare resources on the coronavirus is a threat to other people who are fighting serious illnesses.
„Since the beginning of March, healthcare facilities have been experiencing interruptions of services for seriously ill patients who are not COVID-19 positive. Preventive programs in cardiovascular care and oncology have been halted; for example, organ donations for transplants have been limited and a number of surgical procedures,“ the experts warn in the appeal.
„Long-term isolation is devastating for whole society. Isolation and the limitation of activities increase the consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances, addiction to computers and gambling. Isolation leads to a rise in domestic violence, divorce rates, societal tension and aggressiveness,“ they added.
