New COVID-19 strain, "Arctur," has been identified in Russia

In Russia, cases of infection with the Arcturus strain of COVID-19 have been identified. The press service of Rospotrebnadzor reported this. Previously, Arcturus may be more contagious but not highly pathogenic. That is, the disease caused by it proceeds in a mild form.

“The regions were informed about the sub-variant of COVID-19 XBB 1.16 (“Arctur”). The VGARus database contains the first genetic sequences assigned to this subvariant, previously identified in India. The introduction of any anti-epidemic restrictions in connection with the identification of a new sub-variant of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation is not required,” the supervisory authority emphasized.

In general, the incidence of COVID-19 decreased by 14% compared to last week and amounted to 49.5 thousand cases. Omicron strain genovariants remain predominant.

As Bashinform News Agency informed, the number of cases of COVID-19 in Bashkiria increased to 362,654 people. As of April 18, the diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed in 124 patients per day. 149 people continue treatment in hospitals, most of them elderly people. About 2,000 residents receive outpatient treatment. Of these, 606 are patients over 60 years of age. 214 people were discharged with recovery per day. In total, over 354.5 thousand people have been discharged with recovery since the beginning of the pandemic.

Author: Daria Subbotina