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Thursday, June 25, 2020 covid-19 in the northern zone By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Social Security strategies different plans to contain the spread of covid-19 in the country. According to authorities, the goal is to prevent infection. But, if infected for there to be an early detection in order to stop its expansion. "Instead of waiting for the covid-19 patients to come to the health services, Social Security has carried out a communal intervention at all levels in the Northern Zone, in families, communities and companies," Social Security said in its statement. The prevention of infection and expansion of the virus have been a large focus in the country, specifically for the northern zone. Communities and the government have already implemented different strategies. Intervention in the communities. In the high-risk areas, between 100 and 150 diagnostic tests are performed daily, allowing early detection of cases. Ring control in jobs and homes. Ring control refers to the perimeter around which the infected patient is followed. Based on this perimeter develop an investigation of each case, their contacts, in-home and workplace to find new asymptomatic cases. Diagnostic tests. In communities where there is suspicion of new cases, tests are carried out to determine the presence of the virus in asymptomatic people. This has allowed the delimitation of communities where there is a higher risk of contagion. Those communities are practically isolated. No one leaves, and if someone enters, the person receives precise instructions on the level of risk and protection measures. Follow-up of cases and their contacts. Follow up with suspected or confirmed cases of a new covid-19 infection. This strategy allows for contact tracing to be carried out in a way that protects the confidentiality and identity of the people infected. Inter-institutional operation for inspection of companies. Companies are visited by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Security and the Migration Police. The goal of this method is to advise the company owners on its issues, and provide training for law comprehension. Companies have also kept production under optimal virus prevention measures. Surveillance and education in community clinics, so-called Ebais. In the Ebais, measures are taken to ensure that all patients and health workers apply hygiene measures, such as social distancing and hand washing. Also, symptom reviews are made for possible case detection. Diagnostic testing strategy for truck drivers. At checkpoints, along the routes in the northern zone, diagnostic tests are carried out to truck drivers. Authorities keep information about the driver's route to know their location, just in case their test turns out to be positive. Education and control of entry points in communities with a high number of positive cases. In coordination with the police checkpoints, at the entrances and exits in the towns with the highest number of active cases, people entering these areas are advised to raise precautionary and protective hygiene measures. Coordination in network information. Specialists developed an informational network to report and measure the advancement of the virus in the northern zone. After the analysis of the epidemiological situation carried out by the Ministry of Health, due to the expansion of covid-19 in the country, the National Emergency Commission ordered the Orange Alert to some districts in the country: Corredores, La Vega, Bonanza, Pococí, Peñas Blancas, Los Chiles, La Fortuna, Upala, Paquera, Pavas, Alajuelita and Desamparados. ------------------------ Should the Social Security authorities apply these emergency response strategies in other areas of the country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
