No Panic Needed Around Omicron: Russian Health Ministry Expert

The tension surrounding the new coronavirus variant 'Omicron' is dangerous. There is no need to spread panic as the mutation of the virus is normal, especially considering that 'Omicron' is already showing that the progression of the disease is not so severe. This was stated by Alexey Mazus, an expert from the Russian Ministry of Health.

"I want to emphasize that there is no need to spread panic. We (Russia) are part of the international scientific network, we have partners, friends, and we are the first to receive data from South Africa. Based on this data, I can say that yes, it is a new infection, a new mutation, but there has been no emergency situation indicating that everything is lost or that we should consider this as a new Ebola; nothing like that is happening, and it is evident from the start," Mazus stated.

He highlighted that the virus undergoes mutations and this is normal, and new strains will continue to emerge. "We have a new infection, and yes, it will undergo mutations… new strains will also be created, and this should be treated calmly. Currently, all data suggest that this is not the most severe strain that will cause serious illness, but studies are still ongoing," the expert explained.