Sixteen Russians test positive for Omicron variant of novel coronavirus upon return from South Africa - Deputy PM Golikova

MOSCOW. Dec 13 (Interfax) - Sixteen Russians have tested positive for the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus upon their return from South Africa, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.

"As of this date, 177 citizens have arrived from South Africa. We closely check and monitor such flights. [...] Sixteen out of 177 returned passengers have tested positive for the Omicron variant; all of them are under observation," Golikova said at a meeting of the United Russia faction.

The risk of importation of the new variant into Russia continues to grow, she said.