The COVID-19 is spread by different means: contact (direct or via a fomite); droplet infection (droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected individual); via aerosols (particularly during procedures such as intubation); and faeco-oral. Researchers show that COVID-19 infection survives longer than other respiratory viruses when artificially aerosolized.
A person can be infectious even without symptoms, thus contributing to the spread of the virus, endangering the lives and health of others. In this context, it is very important to wear a protective mask. IOM has delivered to the General Inspectorate of Border Police 16 750 masks, purchased within the project Strengthening the Republic of Moldova National Response to the COVID-19 Crisis.
As a part of the same project, IOM in Moldova provided support in clinic testing for suspected people or those with some obvious symptoms, aiming to ensure the wellbeing of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and frontline border police staff.
Over 200 suspected cases (50 migrants, 50 asylum seekers, 50 refugees and 50 border police frontline staff), were referred for COVID-19 testing to an IOM supported clinic, within the framework of the UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund .
The UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund supports development, effectiveness and UN coherence through the efficient, accountable and transparent design and administration of innovative pooled financing instruments. The fund that is currently supported by the Governments of Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland offered UN Moldova one million dollars, to strengthen the national response of the country to the COVID-19 crisis out of which IOM Mission to Moldova implements the financial support of USD 120,000.