Pace of Covid-19 morbidity reduction slowing down in Russia - Rospotrebnadzor

MOSCOW. Nov 15 (Interfax) - The pace of Covid-19 morbidity reduction has been slowing down in Russia, as 31 regions have reported excessive incidence rates, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) said.

"The pace of morbidity reduction has been slowing down. The decline stood at 21.3% on the 44th week, as against 12% on the 43rd week, and 40.7% on the 42nd week. The average incidence rate in Russia (24.71 cases per 100,000 residents) has been exceeded in 31 regions," the regulator said following a teleconference with the heads of Rospotrebnadzor territorial divisions and institutions chaired by Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova.

Russia registered 36,259 cases of Covid-19 on the 45th week of the year. The incidence rate stood at 24.71 cases per 100,000 residents, down 6.5% from the week before, Rospotrebnadzor said.

The Omicron variant accounts for 4.2% of all cases, while the BA.4/BA.5 sub-lineages are responsible for over 95% of cases. There are also isolated cases of the BQ.1 sub-lineage.