Humoll: More testing needed for COVID-19, worsening situation could be expected in September

Dr. Isme Humolli, professional emergency official of the World Health Organisation in Kosovo, says the National Institute of Public Health in Kosovo (IKSHPK) is trying to do high professional work at the time of pandemic, but adds that there is a need for additional infrastructure capacities. She says that with the number of cases increased by coronarys, which, according to her, is not reasonable but expected, Kosovo needs more tests. Humoll in this interview for Radio Free Europe, suggests that Kosovo does not need additional restrictive measures, but the only thing that needs to be done is not to get out without masks. On July 22nd, 241 new Corleone cases were recorded in Kosovo, meanwhile, the total number of dead reached 150.

Radio Free Europe: Mrs. Hummolli from over 400 test samples during the last 24 hours, more than 55 percent of them have resulted in positive cases of coronaryism. How do you see this situation?

Isme Hummol: Increasing the number of cases cannot be said to be reasonable, but it is expected, given that after the release of the measures, no precautions have been taken that deal with the three steps O steps The BSH has already recommended: wearing masks, physical distance, and constant hand hygiene. So such cases are also expected, even though they are quite high.

Radio Free Europe: In view of the large number of infected, do you think enough tests are being done on a daily basis?

Isme HummolDefinitely the tests. The PCR has had to be done more because we have about 50 percent of our positiveness now because the focus is on people who are highly suspicious of COVID-19. Essentially, first and second contacts should also be included in testing, but it is very important to examine them, because we have a clearer picture of the epidemiological situation in Kosovo.

Radio Free Europe: In your opinion why aren't more tests being done?

Isme Hummol: Yes, it probably has to do with the actual capacity that the Institute has. Despite much desire, it has begun to complete the laboratory, but still needs more equipment. If you just remember until late, the Institute has done the extraction of viruses manualally and normally that the day has 24 hours, they need 28 hours to do the necessary amount of testing. But I believe that for a while until August is also the rest of WHO's supply of support, and I believe it will then ease up even further.

Radio Free Europe: Did he think the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo is keeping the situation under control?

Isme Hummol: This is not just the institution's duty to keep the situation under control. To achieve a public health success, it takes the participation of all of us. At the beginning of the pandemic, the population was the one who greatly contributed to keeping the situation under control. But then we were released somewhat more than needed because of the reduced number of cases we already had. So this assignment is not just of the Institute, it's of us all.

The institute is obliged to do the testing, to do the surveillance and research of cases, and to make risk communication. But the rest is all of us. We all have to make a contribution to this. I repeat another fact, it's the third week of July, and soon it's going to be August, and it's September where the flu season begins, along with it, the academic year, the school year, and the possibilities for making even bigger problems, exist.

Institute is making efforts to do its job

Radio Free Europe: What, though, is your assessment of the work of the Institute during pandemic?

Isme Hummol: We have extremely close, professional co-operation with the Institute and I can say that they're trying to do high-profession work, but to success other components, infrastructure capacities and other capacities are also desirable. Every country in the world, which is on clear development strategies, has a public health priority. Unfortunately, in Kosovo it is not such a phenomenon. Persistent public health workers are at risk, either from infectious diseases or other factors, and by the end of the month, they have the same salary as other professionals. Above all, their numbers are extremely low. Therefore, Kosovo should think to set up its criteria and standards, to increase the quality of work and at the same time the number of public health workers. Public health should have a special place, given the importance of a country's health system.

Radio Free Europe: Kosovo's government has taken some additional measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, but we have found there is an increase in the number of cases. Should there be additional measures in view of this increase in number?

Isme Hummol: This, in fact, responds to the nature of the job because the incubation period is 14 days old, symptoms will be presented and contact people present. The community has not been preserved at all over the month, meanwhile, the high number of cases will continue for a while.

The additional measure must not be, the only thing that has to be done is not get out without masks. The mask don't need to decide when we're alone, but when we're with other people and the second is to become physical distance, as we see in cafes and restaurants, the number of people standing next to each other is huge. These are measures to be respected. The only measure is care.