The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report the discovery of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (B.1.1.529). This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are of concern. Preliminary evidence suggests that this variant may be associated with increased infectivity (infectivity), decreased vaccine efficacy, and an increased risk of re-infection compared to other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The WHO has classified the newly discovered variant of the virus as a ‘variant of concern’ and named it Omicron.
On 24 November 2021, the WHO first received information on option B.1.1.529 from South Africa, where the number of Covid-19 cases has risen sharply in recent weeks, coinciding with the identification of option B.1.1.529. Cases of infection have also been reported in neighboring Botswana. The first known case of the approved variant B.1.1.529 was identified in a sample obtained on 9 November 2021. As of 26 November 2021, travel-related cases have also been reported in Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel, the United Kingdom.
ECDC experts assess the likelihood of the Omicron variant spreading in the near future and the associated degree of risk from high to very high.
The WHO and ECDC therefore call on Member States to strengthen the Covid-19 epidemiological surveillance and SARS-CoV-2 sequencing system, as it is now particularly important to monitor the epidemiological situation in each country, monitor the early detection of the new variant and take immediate containment measures.
Special care should be taken to recommend that travelers do not travel to known affected areas when returning with additional safety measures, including testing and self-isolation. Covid-19 infections should be detected as soon as possible for travelers returning from affected areas.
It is recommended to continue the vaccination process, especially in risk groups and seniors who have not yet started vaccination. The availability of a specific manufacturer’s vaccine at the chosen vaccination point can be known to the public here.
The previous recommendations for the Omicron variant remain valid:
- vaccination;
- proper wearing of face masks (covering the nose and chin);
- distance observance;
- hand hygiene;
- regular ventilation of the premises (several times a day, wide opening of the windows so that the fresh air circulates in the room as much as possible).
In response to the information received on the dangers and rapid spread of the newly discovered strain of Covid-19 virus, The Latvian government has decided to ban the exit and entry from Republic of South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Malawi. The ban on entry will not apply to Latvian citizens or permanent residents of the EU with a residence permit in Latvia. Travel to and from these countries is also prohibited.
Latvian citizens or permanent residents of the EU, who have stayed in the last 10 days in one of those countries, is obliged to:
- to present the result of the Covid-19 RNA test, which was performed 72 hours before entering the territory of Latvia;
- to perform the Covid-19 RNA test as soon as possible, but not later than within 24 hours after entry into the territory of Latvia and on the 8th day after entry into Latvia without the status of vaccination or disease;
- after entering the territory of Latvia, immediately go to the tourist accommodation to observe self-isolation 10 days after leaving one of the above-mentioned countries, informing the tourist accommodation that it has arrived from a high-risk country and is obliged to observe self-isolation. If a person who has entered Latvia from one of the mentioned countries and does not observe self-isolation in a tourist accommodation, then members of households who have come into contact with the immigrant are obliged to observe self-isolation at the place of residence, accommodation or tourist accommodation for 10 days.
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