Covid-19 morbidity may grow in Russia in September - Rospotrebnadzor head

MOSCOW. Sept 15 (Interfax) - Head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) Anna Popova has not ruled out another increase in Covid-19 morbidity this fall following the beginning of the new school year and the end of vacations.

"Thanks to its Covid-19 containment tactics, Russia ranks 105th in the world in terms of morbidity levels. Yet [...] Covid-19 is still here. A steady increase in the number of Covid-19 infections is possible, as many people are back from vacation and children are back in school," Popova said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Russia saw 336,000 cases of Covid-19 in the 36th week of the year, up 3.4% from the week before, Popova said. Morbidity has been higher than average in 38 regions. It has grown in 50 regions and has decreased in 27.

Omicron variant sub-lineage BA.5 is the prevailing strain, Popova said.

"There are much fewer severe cases. Most treatments are given in outpatient clinics. Still, one needs to stay Covid-19 vigilant," she said.

Covid-19 morbidity stated rising in Russia in July. Rospotrebnadzor linked the rise in infections to the increased share of the more contagious Omicron variant sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5. The regulator said, however, that a significant change in the number of severe cases and hospitalizations was unlikely against the backdrop of the new strains and there was no need for reinstating coronavirus restrictions at the federal level.

Rospotrebnadzor said on August 16 that it had sent a letter to regions recommending the wearing of masks in public areas and in public transport amid the growing number of Covid-19 cases. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko advised vaccination.