COVID-19 cases surge in Russia, key regions hit hard as infections rise by 20 percent!
James Josh Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 11, 2024 2 months, 1 week, 4 days, 13 hours, 13 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: COVID-19 infections are once again on the rise in various regions of Russia, creating a concerning uptick in cases as autumn approaches. From August 26 to September 1, the number of new cases surged by 20% compared to the previous week. A total of over 21,000 people across the country contracted the virus during this period, with specific regions facing more significant outbreaks. This
COVID-19 News report will delve into the current situation, the regions most affected, and what health experts are saying about the future trajectory of the pandemic.
COVID-19 cases surge in Russia, key regions hit hard as infections rise by 20 percent!
Rising Numbers in Russia: A Closer Look at Key Regions
In Russia as a whole, the number of weekly cases rose sharply, with 21,000 people diagnosed between August 26 and September 1. The hardest-hit areas were Moscow, with more than 5,000 cases, and St. Petersburg, which reported over 2,000. Other regions such as the Samara and Nizhny Novgorod areas also saw an alarming rise in infections, with 1,400 and 880 cases, respectively. The Krasnodar Krai reported 718 cases, adding to the growing list of regions under pressure from the virus.
However, the neighboring regions of Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk showed the highest regional increases. In the Sverdlovsk region, more than 400 new cases were recorded, including one fatality. Similarly, the Chelyabinsk region reported 277 cases and one death. Other regions such as Yugra (87 cases), Kurgan (74 cases), and Yamal (54 cases) reported smaller but notable spikes in infections.
Meanwhile, in Tyumen, a region that has often managed to maintain lower case counts compared to neighboring areas, the numbers are rising. Over the past week, 184 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Tyumen, with 27 individuals requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded. Nevertheless, the growing number of infections has led local health authorities to remain on high alert.
Hospitalizations and Mortality Rates
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, so do hospitalizations. Between August 26 and September 1, nearly 3,000 people were hospitalized across Russia due to the severity of their symptoms. This represents a staggering 52.3% increase from the previous week. A significant portion of these hospitalizations occurred in 45 constituent regions of Russia, with 14 of these regions experiencing rates higher than the national average.
Although the majority of cases have been mild, there have still been fatalities. During this period, 28 people lost their lives to the virus. This is a marked increase compared to the previous week when 17 people succumbed to the disease. For many, this increase in both deaths and hospitalizations is an alarming sign of what may come if the current trends continue.
Despite these rising numbers, many health officials and experts are cautious about declaring a new pandemic wave. According to Russian infectious disease specialist Dr. Evgeny Timakov, the peak of COVID-19 cases is expected to hit around late September. While this could strain healthcare facilities, R
ospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer health watchdog, insists that there is no immediate cause for panic. This article highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and emphasizes that, as of now, there is no evidence pointing to a new pandemic wave.
Acute Respiratory Infections Compound the Crisis
While COVID-19 remains a pressing concern, it is not the only virus threatening public health. The Samara region, in particular, has reported a dramatic rise in acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), which are overwhelming hospitals and clinics. As of last week, more than 9,200 people were diagnosed with ARVI in the Samara region, which is 27.8% higher than the epidemic threshold. Shockingly, the infection rate among residents over 15 years old has exceeded the threshold by 92%.
The rise in ARVI cases comes amid the circulation of other respiratory pathogens such as parainfluenza, adenoviruses, and rhinoviruses, making the situation even more complicated. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation as ARVI, combined with COVID-19, could result in an overburdened healthcare system, especially as the cold season begins.
Public Response and Safety Measures
Despite the escalating numbers, Russian authorities have not yet implemented new lockdown measures or other strict public health interventions. However, health experts urge caution. Local governments in affected regions like Tyumen and Sverdlovsk have recommended reinforcing preventive measures, such as mask-wearing in crowded public places and practicing good hand hygiene. This is particularly crucial in schools, workplaces, and public transportation, where the virus spreads quickly.
In Tyumen, for example, officials took a preventative measure by closing down several kindergarten groups at the end of August. This decision was made after an outbreak of enterovirus infections in young children, highlighting the vulnerability of group settings during periods of heightened viral activity.
Future Outlook: Can Russia Curb the Spread?
As Russia braces for a potential peak in cases later in September, health officials and citizens alike are preparing for what could be a challenging few months. The rapid rise in both COVID-19 and ARVI cases is troubling, but it is hoped that the summer’s vaccinations and natural immunity from prior infections will provide some buffer against a major outbreak.
Experts continue to monitor the situation, and the public is encouraged to stay informed about any new developments. By practicing preventive measures and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can play a role in helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
Numerous local Russian news outlets have also reported about the COVID-19 surge as well.
https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/7046083?query=COVID-19
https://nashgorod.ru/news/2024-09-08/budet-novaya-pandemiya-v-tyumenskoy-oblasti-rastet-chislo-zabolevshih-covid-19-5188714
https://www.interfax.ru/russia/979325
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