"I am observing the situation in the world and the rapid spread of the new Omicron strain. Today, of course, we are in a difficult situation," said Russian President Vladimir Putin, Report informs.
"Russia braces for new coronavirus outbreaks. New Year holidays could not but affect the epidemiological situation in the country," he stressed.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova also said that the Omicron cases appeared in the country at the end of the year and accelerated the spread of COVID-19:
"Our goal is to take the necessary steps to prevent the virus."
On January 12, Putin held a video conference with government members.