View of Military Epidemiologists on the Problem of Global Spread of a New Coronavirus Infection

Abstract

Relevance. Despite the successes achieved in the fight against COVID-19 and the beginning of mass vaccination, the epidemiological situation remains quite tense, especially in foreign countries. Therefore, there is still a need to maintain the imposed restrictive and anti-epidemic measures, which may increase depending on changes in the epidemiological situation. As the experience of working in the context of a pandemic shows, it is advisable to use the principles of military epidemiology in the practical activities of various specialists in the national health system. They are based on a grouping of medical and non-medical measures aimed at preventing infection drifts, its spread in groups of people and in specific territories, and its removal outside of epidemic foci. Specific immunization of the population against the new coronavirus infection is important, which will ensure the stabilization and smooth out the course of the epidemic process.Aims. To analyze the current state of the global spread of the new coronavirus infection and to consider the possibility of applying the principles of military epidemiology in the fight against the new coronavirus infection.Conclusions. Based on the results of the analysis of literature sources and personal practical experience in the fight against COVID-19, the most effective measures of anti-epidemic protection of the population to date are summarized. Approaches to the organization of sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures based on the principles of military epidemiology are proposed: the separation of medical care for infectious patients and their sorting according to the severity of the disease; the maximum approach to the served contingents of anti-epidemic forces and means, taking into account the current sanitary and epidemiological situation; continuous implementation of sanitary and anti-epidemic measures until the elimination of epidemic foci; ensuring the mobility and constant readiness of the forces and means involved in carrying out sanitary and anti-epidemic measures.