Vice speaker upholds crying need of a national virus testing strategy to be mapped out
17 April 2020, 15:15
“Ukraine badly needs a comprehensive strategy for nationwide COVID 19 testing the population against antibodies to the coronavirus,” -- Vice speaker Olena Kondratiuk
Nowadays, the number of citizens protected against re-infection with COVID-19 (thanks to their own immunity) is information of strategic importance. This opinion was clearly expressed by the Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk.
According to scientists, 25% to 50% of the people who have been infected might have no symptoms at all.
“It is therefore very important for governments to know the real number of people who have had the coronavirus at national level. Such data will allow making effective decisions about when to stop social exclusion and reopen businesses and schools. After all, people who have the immunity can safely return to normal life,” O. Kondratiuk emphasized.
The vice speaker of the Verkhovna Rada drew attention to the international experience. She noted that the US authorities had already granted the first authorization to use a certified antibody test for COVID-19. In the US, there are also hot discussions on whether to issue immunity certificates to those who have had the disease.
Immunity testing is presently conducted in Spain and the United Kingdom – with Argentina and Austria well at the ready.
“The government of Ukraine, the Ministry of Health, the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine should immediately start developing a testing strategy for the population against antibodies to the coronavirus. It is necessary to ensure that this strategy is adequately resourced. We need to currently plan the purchase or home manufacture of reliable COVID-19 antibody test systems,” Olena Kondratiuk stated.
According to her, it is also worth considering the point of issuing immunity certificates for the populace and making respective changes to governmental resolutions.
"People who are immune ought to be able to take up work at short notice in order to provide for their families," the vice speaker of the Verkhovna Rada elucidated.