No coronavirus in Poland, but Krakow hospitals prepare

The coronavirus has not come to Poland, but Krakow hospitals say they are ready.

Technically called the 2019-nCoV infection, the coronavirus probably mutated in livestock and transferred to humans in Wuhan, China in December last year. Since then, there have been several thousand confirmed cases, most in China and most non-fatal. The virus has spread internationally, though, including a handful of cases in Germany. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Though it has not come to Krakow, the Jagiellonian University Hospital has reassured the public that they are equipped with an infectious disease wing in which they can quickly and safely isolate coronavirus patients if necessary. The 48 rooms in two wards are private, negative-pressure, and equipped with a filter system that is not connected to the main air circulation of the building. Staff say they have held meetings to clarify procedures and share information.

The Krakow Military Clinic Hospital may also potentially be equipped to deal with such cases, but it is currently undergoing renovations.

For its part, the Krakow-Balice Airport (which has no direct flights to or from China) has said that it is in contact with local and international health organizations as well as the Polish Ministry of Defense.

One thought on “No coronavirus in Poland, but Krakow hospitals prepare

  • February 29, 2020 at 10:54 pm
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    48 rooms are not enough. In Korea and tell you 48 is not enough.

    Reply

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