Addressing Covid-19 in the West Bank, virtual workshop 15th April 2020

On the 15th April, Forward Thinking and the Order of Malta convened a workshop between doctors from the Palestine Medical Relief Society, Nablus Municipality, Dr. Lucio Rovati, and Dr. Loredana Sarmati to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Lucio Rovati is Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Dr. Loredana Sarmati is Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.Dr. Loredana and Dr. Lucio answered questions about the nature of the virus, the treatments currently being used for patients, methods of prevention and the Italian experience of the pandemic. The discussion also covered the timeframe of social distancing measures, and how they might be relaxed in the future. While Italy is seeing a reduction in the number of new cases, there is concern that transmission from neighbouring countries that are at an earlier stage of the outbreak, or an new wave of infections in the winter, could trigger a secondary increase in cases.In the West Bank there are 326 cases, although it is suspected that there are more cases in Jerusalem. Social distancing measures were implemented in early March, and have been largely successful. However, there are shortages of equipment throughout Palestine, particularly of testing kits, swabs, ventilators, and protective equipment. Social distancing measures, travel restrictions and the closure of workplaces is putting a large strain on the economy of Palestine. Existing support systems for the population may be under too much pressure if the situation continues for a long time.This discussion is part of an ongoing series of discussions Forward Thinking is convening with medical and healthcare experts, and doctors from vulnerable regions.