In Russia, cases of infection with a variety of the strain of the coronavirus delta AY.4.2 have been reported. This was announced by the head of the scientific group for the development of new methods for diagnosing human diseases at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor Kamil Khafizov.
According to him, we are talking about isolated cases. The new type of virus is an offshoot of the delta line, Khafizov explained. Like other delta strains, this strain can be more dangerous than the original COVID-19 strains identified.
“In some circles, the new genovariant is called delta plus, but the same name previously referred to another variant and therefore there is now some confusion,” said Khafizov, referring to AY.4.2 (quoted by RIA Novosti).
He did not rule out that this type of delta can provoke an additional rise in the incidence. At the same time, the existing COVID vaccines are able to protect against the new strain, Khafizov assured.
“It is not so different as to drastically change the ability of binding to antibodies,” – explained the expert.
Since September, the incidence of coronavirus has been actively growing in Russia. Daily mortality from COVID in the country has exceeded 1,000 people. Against the background of a surge in the spread of the virus, the authorities are introducing QR codes everywhere. In addition, from October 30, a period of non-working days has been announced in the Russian Federation.
