Five new cases of infecting people with the new Omicron coronavirus variant have been recorded in Ukraine.
The first case was confirmed back on December 18 at the Main Reference Laboratory of the Public Health Center. Five new ones—at Lev Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases," Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin reported.
According to him, new cases were detected in Kyiv, Kyiv region, Dnipro, and Lviv. In three infected persons, "Omicron" was recorded upon their return from Germany, Poland, and the UAE. Currently, the experts are conducting an epidemiological investigation of the detected cases and checking if the contact persons have the virus.
Kuzin recalled that the use of protective masks, keeping distance and regular hand washing remain effective preventive measures against any strains of coronavirus, in particular Omicron.
Additionally. With the rapid spread of Omicron, several European countries have reported record high levels of COVID-19 cases.
- Over the past 24 hours, France has reported a record high of 179,807 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, the highest in a day since the start of the pandemic. The previous record—104,611 people—was set on Saturday.
- The UK has reported a record 129,471 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. The previous record high of daily infections was set on December 24 (122,186 people).
- Portugal has also reported a record high daily coronavirus cases (17,172), despite having one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
Context. According to the World Health Organization, as of December 17, the Omicron strain was recorded in 89 countries. On December 18, Ukraine joined them.
Scientists from the British organization ZOE COVID Study listed the main symptoms accompanying Omicron: runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat. One more symptom is mentioned in the scientists’ reports—loss of appetite.
Earlier this month, WHO called for booster vaccinations amid the rapid spread of the new variant.
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