The operational headquarters did not detect a new strain of COVID-19 in Russia

In RUSSIA, at the moment, a new strain of CORONAVIRUS (B.1.1.529) has not been detected, the operational headquarters for preventing the importation and spread of a new coronavirus infection in Russia said.

The operational headquarters said that the situation with the appearance of the South African strain is being carefully studied, while it is premature to draw conclusions. Russian screening tests are able to detect a new variant of the virus, stressed at the operational headquarters.

Due to the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus in South Africa from midnight on November 28, Russia will restrict entry from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Eswatini (former Swaziland). In addition to residents of these states, the decision also applies to foreigners who have visited the countries over the past ten days.

The operational headquarters instructed Rospotrebnadzor, together with the Ministry of Transport, to organize express testing of Russians who arrived from South African countries and Hong Kong. Also, citizens of Russia and foreigners arriving from CHINA , Israel and the UK will have to undergo screening .

In addition, Russia is extending the suspension of flights with Tanzania until February 1. Flights to this country ceased in April this year due to the unstable epidemic situation.