OREANDA-NEWS. A coronavirus omicron strain has been detected in two citizens in Russia. This was reported by Rospotrebnsdzor.

The agency noted that the new strain of coronavirus was detected in those arriving from South Africa, and their PCR tests had previously shown positive results. Upon arrival from Africa, the patients were in an observatory.

In total, according to Rospotrebnadzor, the coronavirus has been detected in ten passengers arriving in Russia from South Africa. Experts are currently determining the strains of the virus. "All citizens returning to Russia from South Africa and neighbouring countries are tested at the border at the time of arrival, examined and placed in specially prepared observatories," - Rospotrebnadzor said.
In the observatory, patients are tested daily and, if positive, are placed in the infectious disease hospital boxes.

The new strain of coronavirus was discovered in early November. The first infections occurred in South Africa and Botswana, followed by detection in Europe. No infections with the omicron strain have been recorded in Russia so far. Russia has imposed a 14-day quarantine for arrivals from South Africa and neighbouring countries to prevent its spread. Entry into Russia from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Eswatini has also been restricted since 28 November.

The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier reported that no deaths from the new strain of coronavirus have been reported worldwide so far. At the same time, the WHO said it would take several more weeks to study omicron and also admitted that this variant could supplant others and become the main strain in Europe.

The disease after infection with the omicron strain is mild, South Africa's Unben Pillay, a doctor previously told Bloomberg. The main symptoms are a dry cough, general pain all over the body, night sweats and fever.