Ministry of Health appeals to population over new strain of COVID-19

“The new subvariant of the Omicron strain of COVID-19, EG.5, is more contagious than other previous subvariants and is a stage in the natural evolution of the virus,” Tayyar Eyvazov, an infectious disease specialist at the Ministry of Health, told Report.

According to him, many mutations occur in the process of evolution, and although new subvariants emerge, only the fastest of them spread more:

"The speed of spread is determined by the ability of that variants to evade the existing immunity against the coronavirus in humans. Thus, one or more of these variants become more widespread and dominate over a period of time. This situation continues until a faster variant emerges later."

The specialist noted that certain concerns arise at the moment of the formation of each new fast variant: "However, so far there is no evidence that this subvariant causes more severe cases.”

Eyvazov emphasized that in any case, the epidemiological situation should be carefully monitored:

"There is no official information about the presence of the EG.5 strain in Azerbaijan. In general, the coronavirus infection is characterized as an infection that spreads in waves. If there are further waves, the population should be more careful. Protection measures are the same for all variants."

“The epidemiological situation in the country is still under control, and the infection rate is minimal. However, if there are increases, especially in the autumn-winter season, every person should strictly follow the measures to protect not only from coronavirus but also from all respiratory viruses. It is recommended that people who are in the risk group due to the season be vaccinated against the flu, including the coronavirus. During outbreaks of infections, the population is advised to wear masks in closed spaces, etc. Although there are recommendations like this, it is assumed that there will be no need to take stricter measures,” he said.