In Russia, the validity period of PCR tests was reduced due to omicron

The period of validity of negative results of a PCR test for coronavirus in Russia has been reduced from 72 hours to 48, follows from the decision of the chief sanitary doctor, published on the portal of legal information.

The head of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, announced these changes a week ago, explaining the decision of the authorities with data on the increased infectivity of a new strain of coronavirus, called omicron.

At the end of November, British scientists reported the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus - omicron. The first cases of infection were reported in South Africa and Botswana. Later, the omicron strain spread to Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, the USA and other countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the number of mutations in the omicron strain is "unprecedented" and may be more contagious than previously discovered variants of the infection.

After that, from November 28, Russia restricted entry from South Africa, Tanzania, Hong Kong, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar and Eswatini. Also, from December 2, all those arriving in Russia from South Africa and neighboring countries are sent for a two-week quarantine.

Nevertheless, on December 6, Rospotrebnadzor reported that the omicron strain was detected in two passengers arriving from South Africa.

58 Russians who arrived from South Africa, including two infected with the omicron strain, were placed in a sanatorium located in the Moscow region, the Rossiya 1 TV channel reported.

Ten tourists tested positive for COVID-19 , at first they were quarantined in an observatory, and then in a hospital, where those who have signs of SARS are also located.