The expert of Rospotrebnadzor compared “omicron” with a raging forest fire

The covid omicron strain is spreading across Russia like wildfire, Alexander Gorelov, deputy director for research at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, warned. According to him, according to Interfax, in a few weeks “omicron” can “arrive” from Moscow to the regions.

Gorelov noted that at the moment the incidence of covid is again in the growth phase. Taking into account the fact that “omicron” is three times more contagious than “delta”, the maximum number of cases “at the peak” can be large. “If at the peak of the Delta the increase in the incidence was 40 thousand, then for Omicron this figure can be six-digit,” the expert pointed out. And he added that since the “omicron” is spreading like wildfire, “I want to believe that such a rapid increase in the incidence will be replaced by an equally rapid decline.”

Gorelov recalled that in Moscow, the Moscow region and St. Petersburg, “omicron” is replacing “delta”. And in a few weeks, the process of displacement may reach the regions, although for some time both strains will circulate together. Since “omicron” is much more contagious, then the spread can be wider, and most importantly, to prevent complications in the sick. The only way to do this is through vaccination, Gorelov said.

When asked if the current preventive measures are enough to avoid becoming infected with the micron, Gorelov replied that masks and other preventive measures protect against infection and reduce the risk of the virus spreading. At the same time, in the conditions of the spread of the highly contagious “omicron”, disposable medical masks made of special non-woven material are most effective, simple fabric masks are less reliable, the expert specified. He also urged not to forget about maintaining social distance, limiting contacts, as well as timely vaccination and revaccination.