Фото: airport.by
Urban theoretical and practical exercises were held at Minsk National Airport to rehearse actions in the event of detecting a passenger with symptoms of a dangerous infectious disease. According to the airport’s press service, the scenario simulated a suspected case of cholera requiring immediate sanitary and anti-epidemic measures.
The main objective of the exercise was to test the readiness of services for rapid response, as well as to practise coordination and information exchange between all involved agencies. Participants demonstrated response procedures for containing an outbreak and minimising the consequences of a possible importation of the disease.
During the practical phase, specialists practised thermal screening, visual inspection of passengers and the collection of initial information. According to the scenario, a passenger showing signs of illness was identified and examined by staff of the sanitary quarantine point and the civil aviation medical service. After questioning and first aid, a preliminary diagnosis of “cholera?” was made, and an ambulance team was called.
Particular attention was paid to the prompt notification of all relevant services, including medical units, airport administration, border guards, customs authorities, police and the airline Belavia.
During the exercise, personnel were equipped with anti-epidemic protective gear. Separate procedures were practised for unloading the baggage of contact passengers, placing it in special containers and carrying out disinfection. Contact persons from the flight were gathered, interviewed and sent to an isolation facility for further observation.
The passenger with suspected infection was temporarily isolated in the sanitary quarantine facility, where necessary medical assistance was provided. At the same time, disinfection measures were carried out in the affected premises and transport.
The exercise involved specialists from the Minsk City Centre for Hygiene and Epidemiology, including sanitary quarantine staff and the civil aviation medical service, as well as representatives of airport services, the airline, the border guard unit, customs and internal affairs bodies.