Virologist Agranovsky allowed the emergence in Russia of the COVID-19 strain that is leaving vaccines Russia may develop a strain of coronavirus that will have the ability to move away from existing vaccines. He stated this in an interview with Ura.ru.
The virologist noted that a new variant could arise in any country where there are many cases of COVID-19 infection. He stressed that it is very difficult to predict the properties of such a strain. For example, it can be a strain that is leaving vaccines, the expert explained. At the same time, Agranovsky noted that while the delta strain of the virus dominates, which creates an obstacle to the emergence of new variants.
In addition, the specialist said that variations of the coronavirus appear constantly while viral replication occurs. “When large populations are infected, there is a higher chance of selecting those mutations that are beneficial to the virus,” he added.
Earlier, professor, virologist at the Gamaleya Center Alexander Butenko warned about the likelihood of new strains of coronavirus. According to him, in early November, the risk of importing new variants of coronavirus infection into Russia increased. According to the expert, when traveling to foreign resorts during the coronavirus pandemic, Russians are risking not only their health. They can also become a source of COVID-19. According to Butenko, this behavior is “bungling”.