Epidemiologists of the Russian Federation commented on the decision of the World Health Organization (WHO) not to close the borders due to the new “Omicron” strain on the TV channel REN TV Thursday, December 2nd.
“Unfortunately, even with the closure of borders, even with the cessation of aircraft traffic throughout the world, it will be very difficult to stop the spread of such a strain, because it is more infectious than Delta. It was found in the USA, in Europe, yes, it is already spreading. And if so, then whatever is global, in order to stop the whole world, it’s too late, ”epidemiologist Mikhail Favorov shared his opinion.
In turn, immunologist, candidate of medical sciences Nikolai Kryuchkov believes that if the borders are to be closed, then right now, for a while, not for long, otherwise it will be too late.
“We want to close the borders with a large number of countries – we have to do it. This is a temporary measure, about a month and a half. Further, it will lose its meaning, such an epidemiological significance. But if you do, then now, and not in 2-3 weeks. If we don’t want to, then we limit ourselves to transport hubs, limit the flow of tourists and close those countries where there are already many cases. For example, now these are seven countries in South Africa, plus Hong Kong, plus, apparently, 8-9 more countries will also be added, ”he said.
Anna Baranova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor at the School of Systems Biology at George Mason University, believes that the main thing now is to find out if the virus is spreading in the places where it has already entered. According to her, the whole world has paused until Monday in anticipation of accurate data.
“Now, in fact, the most important thing to understand is whether there are cases and what they are — of the local spread of the virus in those territories where the virus has already entered. When we receive this information, then with greater accuracy by about next week, by the middle, and by Monday we will find out what is the degree of reduction in the neutralization of this virus by antibodies from vaccines and from naturally transferred covid. That’s all. Now we have, in fact, until Monday, just a pause for humanity. We just sit and watch. We do not relax, but we calmly drink a cup of tea, and, accordingly, we are already deciding on Monday, ”she said.
Epidemiologist Mikhail Favorov recalled that at the moment when the coronavirus just appeared in China, WHO worked very late, the pandemic was announced belatedly and many more mistakes were made. Now, with the emergence of a new strain, in his opinion, a qualitative, prompt reaction took place. He shared a point of view similar to that of Anna Baranova: the main thing is to understand: “are there any cases and what are they of the local spread of the virus in those territories where the virus has already entered”.
On December 1, WHO Director Tedros Adanom Ghebreyesus said that at least 23 states have reported the presence of Omicron, a strain of coronavirus originally discovered in South Africa. The WHO said in a statement that the species “has a large number of mutations, some of which are of concern.”
On November 28, doctors from South Africa said that the new Omicron coronavirus strain is rapidly spreading among people between the ages of 20 and 30. At the same time, many patients are admitted to hospitals with moderate and severe illnesses, some of them need intensive care. On December 1, South African physician Unben Pillay said that patients with the new Omicron strain of COVID-19 are currently experiencing dry cough, fever and night sweats.
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