Researchers questioned the present of those infected with the omicron strain in Russia: Society: Russia: Lenta.ru
Andrey Isaev, Founder and General Director of the Scientific Center for Molecular Genetic Research DNKOM, believes that the current number of Russian patients with a new strain of coronavirus is already more than two. He doubted the number of people infected in a conversation with TASS…
“The first two cases of the omicron strain were detected in Russia on Monday, December 6th. In a country, the virus strain can only be determined by sequencing. In fact, we know that 2 out of 10 PCR-positive, who flew in from South Africa, are carriers of the new strain, “- said the researcher.
He also added that he actually admits the possibility of omicron infection in all 10 arrivals, since, according to statistics, the new strain is replacing the previous one. “Considering that Russia is one of the last places in the world for the use of PCR tests and sequences, I think we can do more with the omicron of Russia than we know,” he said.
The expert presents a local climate different from that of South Africa. “I would like to note that both in South Africa and in the UK we are witnessing an exponential increase in patients and hospitalizations,” he summed up.
December 6 Rospotrebnadzor confirmed cases of omicron-strain in two Russians who flew in from South Africa. In addition, at that time, the strains of coronavirus in 10 more tourists, whose PCR tests were positive, were still being determined.
The strain code B.1.1.529, which was named omicron, was identified in South Africa on November 11. The country’s health minister said that it is easily tolerated by vaccinated patients, however, according to available data, it can bypass immunity with other variants of the virus.