New spike in Covid-19 morbidity possible in late May - June - Russian Health Ministry

MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - A new spike in Covid-19 morbidity is possible in Russia in late May - June, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said.

"There is a risk of a new wave of infections. We can see that medical workers have been reporting a surge in morbidity in a number of countries. These include some European countries and China. Hence, we are getting ready. I believe a surge in morbidity is possible in late May - June," Murashko said in an interview with presenter Nailya Asker-zade aired by the Rossiya-24 television channel (VGTRK).

For now, the Covid-19 morbidity curve is on decline, but up to 200,000 Covid-19 patients are simultaneously receiving therapy, he said.

"We should remember that the most at-risk categories, as we have repeatedly said, are senior citizens and people with chronic conditions, especially diabetes and cardiovascular patients. Certainly, they should stay vigilant and prepare for it," Murashko said.

Unlike before, Covid-19 waves are overlapping and recurring, Murashko said. "The first three and a half months of this year have shown that we are practically on the same path as we were in 2021. The only thing is that all [Covid-19] waves we have seen to date, each of these waves has been higher and stronger than the previous one," he said.

"Everything will depend on us. It is also important to understand that the new wave, including its intensity, will depend on our actions," Murashko said.

The minister said he implied booster shoots and compliance with sanitary norms and regulations. "There is also need for a timely response to a possible surge in infections; measures taken in a particular municipality, a particular city, a particular population locality are precisely what enables us to stay on top [of the situation]," he said.

Whenever a patient is discharged from hospital, it is important to undergo a profound health check, considering the colossal risk faced by patients, especially those with cardiovascular conditions, and especially over the first three months after recovery. "On the whole, we recommend being very attentive to one's health for the first six months [after recovery]," Murashko said.