In Dagestan, the first cases of infection with the new omicron coronavirus strain have been identified. This was stated at a meeting of the operational headquarters to combat the spread of infection by the head of the republican department of Rospotrebnadzor Nikolai Pavlov.

“Our risks are very high due to the fact that the new omicron strain is spreading throughout Europe, and there are already cases of its penetration into the territory of the republic: certain work is being done, including to isolate the sick,” the official said. No information was shared regarding the number of omicron cases that have already been identified in Dagestan, who are infected, and their conditions.

Earlier, a separate observatory with 100 beds was deployed in the republic due to the new strain of coronavirus. In it, as the local authorities stated, they will place citizens who are suspected to have the omicron strain. At the Makhachkala airport, free testing was organised for those arriving from the so-called risky countries - from South Africa and neighbouring African states, as well as from China, the United Kingdom, Israel and Hong Kong, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported.

The number of people infected with the new omicron coronavirus strain is doubling every two to three days due to its ability to spread rapidly, David Nabarro, special representative of the World Health Organization for the fight against COVID-19, said earlier. According to him, the situation with the omicron will become "40 times more serious in two weeks." To date, the new strain of coronavirus has been found in 110 countries.