In the last week, Ukraine reported 3,540 new COVID-19 cases, which is three times higher than the previous week. However, these figures are significantly lower compared to last year, when weekly cases reached up to 15,000.
This information was shared by Oleksiy Danilenko, the Deputy Director General of the Center for Public Health, during a TV broadcast, according to a correspondent from Ukrinform.
"Over the past week, we registered 3,540 COVID-19 cases. Compared to last week, that’s a threefold increase, but compared to last year, we recorded over 10,000 cases weekly, even up to 15,000. This year, we are seeing much lower infection rates for COVID-19," Danilenko noted.
According to him, the main reasons for the disease among Ukrainians include: decreased immunity levels, both post-vaccination and after past infections, migration, active travel, non-compliance with individual protective measures, and the emergence of new virus variants.
"We are detecting new virus strains in Ukraine - Stratus, and there are already two cases of Nimbus," Danilenko informed.
He emphasized that these new strains have a higher ability to spread among the population, but they do not lead to more severe illness.
"There could be complications, especially in at-risk groups, but overall, new strains do not result in more severe disease. In the majority of cases, the clinical picture is limited to symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract, resembling classic COVID-19. Some cases may exhibit symptoms such as hoarseness or sore throat, but overall, the clinical presentation is similar," Danilenko reassured.
He added that the new virus strains are more easily transmitted among children and young people, often in mild and asymptomatic forms, which is another reason for quicker spread among the population.
Danilenko urged adherence to the following advice when symptoms of illness appear.
"If you experience the first symptoms of illness, do not go to work. Stay home, do not endanger those around you, and of course, seek medical assistance rather than self-medicate. We also recommend using personal protective equipment in crowded places, especially if there are individuals showing symptoms of illness. These are the simplest hygiene measures: surface disinfection and vaccination," Danilenko explained.
