In view of the current epidemiological situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Secretary of State for Health (SES-TO) has issued, to its administrative units and assistance units, guidance on the use of personal protective equipment, masks and accessories necessary to counteract the infection.
The measures to be adopted according to a document prepared by the Technical Field of Occupational Health take into account data from the Center for Information and Strategic Decisions in Health (Integra Saúde), which show a decrease between 76.87% of the first dose to 65, 13 percent of the second dose of coverage, which indicates Despite the low vaccination coverage, as well as the aggravation of dealing with Covid-19 with only 27.49% of booster doses.
The document takes into account the National Plan to Activate the Vaccination against Covid-19, published on March 15, 2021, which it adopts as an additional measure to respond to the disease, which is considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), vaccination procedures at the three levels of management.
“By observing epidemiological data and the emergence of the Ômicron BQ.1 variant, we decided to maintain the technical guidelines to protect the health of health workers.”, said SES-TO Director of Regulation, Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Work, Robson José da Silva.
Among the measures adopted by SES-TO, it is necessary to adopt and strengthen preventive measures against the new variant, such as the mandatory use of masks in health institutions and other units with direct assistance to the public. People with flu-like symptoms, in addition to the mandatory use of a mask, must follow the removal protocol for hygienic treatment, as stipulated in State Decree No.
SES-TO also recommended the use of a mask for workers with co-morbidities in order to prevent infection by Covid-19, the use of a mask in crowded environments, with an emphasis on public transportation and other closed environments or low ventilation, and avoiding the spread and circulation of the virus.
′′ In addition to preventive measures, vaccination is one of the ways to confront Covid-19. Vaccination is a way to contain serious cases, so booster doses are also important. It should be noted that the state has more than 300 properly equipped immunization roomssaid the Secretary of State for Health, Afonso Piva.
According to him, the new measures even aim to prevent the registration of the Ômicron BQ.1 variant among the population of Tocantins, especially health workers.
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