“The new Omicron strain is already prevalent, at least in Attica,” said Athanasios Tsakris, professor of microbiology at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA).
Speaking on SKAI 100.3 radio, Mr. Tsakris said that last week, based on samples taken in Attica, it turned out that the share of the Omicron variant among the infected is now 70%.
But, as the professor explained, “those who were vaccinated with the third dose and got sick had very mild symptoms compared to people who were not vaccinated.”
“Anyone with a discomfort should not go to work, because the symptoms of Omicron are very simple. “We stay at home even because of a sneeze or a runny nose,” said EINAP President Matina Pagoni.
Read also: Omicron, colds and flu – how to distinguish them by symptoms
Regarding the situation with catering establishments, she said that visitors should sit in their seats, and not run around the hall, and the establishment should close at 12 at night. “Let them open earlier. Eating abroad at 7 o’clock [вечера]and 12 hours is the normal time to sleep. ”
For his part, the president of the Panhellenic Medical Association, Athanasios Exadaktylos, said that “the quarantine time for the Omicron strain is less than 15 days, so we can change the health protocols when it prevails in the country.”
The professor emphasized that anyone who has symptoms, even with a negative test result, should now behave as if he had a coronavirus.
His colleague Eleni Yamarello, professor of pathology and president of the Greek Society of Chemotherapy, expresses serious concern on the discovery of a new strain, stating that “it remains to be seen whether rapid tests detect the Omicron mutation.”
Confirming the human Omicron mutation is a different process, Ms Yamarellow said. “It’s not as easy as detecting the presence of the Delta strain,” says the expert.
“We know for sure that every two to three days the number of cases of the Omicron strain doubles,” the professor emphasizes on the ERT channel, adding: “We are concerned about the speed of its spread, its contagiousness.”
Speaking of Omicron symptoms, which are similar to those of Delta and the common cold, Ms Yamarellow recommended molecular tests that accurately identify the Omicron strain.
Alas, all this is good, but these tests are not affordable for everyone, since their cost is 50-60 euros, in contrast to the “probably useless” ten-euro self and rapid test, and the state is in no hurry to regulate their prices.
Confirming the human Omicron mutation is a different process, Ms Yamarellow said. “It’s not as easy as detecting the presence of the Delta strain,” says the expert.
“We know for sure that every two to three days the number of cases of the Omicron strain doubles,” the professor emphasizes on the ERT channel, adding: “We are concerned about the speed of its spread, its contagiousness.”
Speaking of Omicron symptoms, which are similar to those of Delta and the common cold, Ms Yamarellow recommended molecular tests that accurately identify the Omicron strain.
Alas, all this is good, but these tests are not affordable for everyone, since their cost is 50-60 euros, in contrast to the “probably useless” ten-euro self and rapid test, and the state is in no hurry to regulate their prices.
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