Denis Protsenko - RBC: Why should I risk my relatives because of the antivaxer

The HEAD physician of hospital No. 40 in Kommunarka, Denis Protsenko, in an interview with RBC, shared his opinion on restrictive measures in Moscow, explained why he was going to the State Duma, called the signs of a “long COVID” and said,What does Denis Protsenko think about anti-vaxxers?

About lockdown and other restrictions

- Previously, you spoke positively about the lockdown as an effective measure to stop the growth of the disease. Various options for restrictions have now been tried in Moscow. What position are you in now - do you need a new lockdown?

- Yes, I really spoke out for the lockdown, but I emphasize that it was March 2020, a year and a half had passed. The pandemic is a dynamic story that moves in different directions. In March last year there was a new virus, there was a complete lack of understanding of what to do with it. There was an Italian script that we started with. Then there were no clear and intelligible treatment protocols all over the world and in RUSSIA, there was no understanding when vaccines would appear. At that time, the lockdown was the only measure to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and reduce the number of deaths that could potentially be if the lockdown was not introduced.

But during this time, I would say, a revolution happened: additional capacities were deployed in Moscow, reserve hospitals appeared, not only beds, but also modern equipment appeared in these hospitals: ventilators, laboratory facilities, infusion systems. But most importantly, there are vaccines. Of course, this year we are in completely different conditions - the relevance of the lockdown, at least at the moment, is out of the question. We need to talk more about vaccination, engage in clarification, persuasion, etc.

- The mayor's office decided to stimulate vaccination by introducing QR codes. Three weeks later they were cancelled. With the introduction of QR codes and the obligation of employers to vaccinate 60% of employees, queues appeared at vaccination points - both in shopping centers that were empty before, and in clinics. In the video on social networks, people without masks, no social distance. How do you assess the organization of vaccination during this period?