In the past week, Ukraine reported 3,540 COVID-19 cases, which is three times higher than the previous week. However, this number is significantly lower compared to last year, when there were up to 15,000 weekly cases.
This was stated by Oleksiy Danilenko, Deputy General Director of the Center for Public Health, during a televised interview, according to a correspondent from Ukrinform.
"Last week we registered 3,540 COVID-19 cases. This is a significant increase compared to the previous week, but compared to last year, we were registering over 10,000 cases, sometimes even up to 15,000. This year, we have much lower infection rates," Danilenko noted.
He mentioned that the main reasons for the rise in infections among Ukrainians include decreased immunity, increased travel, lack of adherence to protective measures, and the emergence of new virus variants.
"We are detecting new virus strains within Ukraine - Stratus and two cases of Nimbus," he informed.
Danilenko remarked that these new strains have a higher transmission capability but do not result in more severe disease progression.
"Complications may arise, particularly in high-risk groups, but overall, new strains do not lead to a more severe disease course. In the majority of cases, symptoms are limited to the upper respiratory tract, quite similar to classic COVID-19. Some may experience symptoms like hoarseness or sore throat, but overall the clinical picture is similar," he assured.
He added that new strains spread more easily among children and young people, often manifesting as mild or asymptomatic forms, which is one reason for faster transmission rates.
Danilenko urged adherence to the following recommendations when symptoms appear.
"If you experience the first symptoms of illness, do not go to work. Stay at home to avoid endangering others and, of course, seek medical assistance instead of self-medicating. We also recommend using personal protective equipment in crowded places, especially in the presence of symptomatic individuals. Of course, basic hygiene measures such as hand sanitization and vaccination are essential," Danilenko concluded.