Covid-19 cases are rising across Russia, driven by two new variants that are more resistant to immunity, the country’s consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said Friday.
Over the past two to three weeks, infections from the KP.3 and LB.1 variants have surged by 100% and 400%, respectively. Rospotrebnadzor identified them as “FLiRT variants,” a term used to describe several variants that have independently picked up the same set of mutations.
“These variants have specific mutations in the spike protein that allow the virus to evade the immune response while still effectively infecting cells,” the agency said.
It attributed the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases in early September 2024 to the growing prevalence of these variants in Russia, compounded by seasonal factors.
In May, Rospotrebnadzor had initially downplayed the severity of the FLiRT variants, stating that they were “no more dangerous than other variants” when they first emerged in the country.
However, health authorities reported a noticeable increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations last month, with a 50% rise recorded in the final week of August, when nearly 3,000 people were hospitalized nationwide.
The first week of September saw hospitalizations climb to almost 3,200.
Rospotrebnadzor recommended practicing good personal hygiene, regularly ventilating indoor spaces, maintaining optimal humidity, avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms and seeking medical attention at the first sign of illness.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
