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‘British’ coronavirus strain does not cause more severe course of infection, says expert

The scientist emphasized that preventive measures remain the same

MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. A coronavirus mutation detected in the UK does not cause a more severe course of the coronavirus infection, Deputy Director for Research of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Alexander Gorelov told TASS.

Earlier, Russian top sanitary doctor Anna Popova stated that an isolated case of the infection with the British strain of the coronavirus was registered in Russia at the end of last year, currently the patient has already recovered and is not contagious anymore.

"[The virus] did not cause a more severe course of the infection which is an important circumstance. Additionally, the British strain has the same mode of transmission - predominantly airborne," the expert added.

The scientist emphasized that preventive measures remain the same. They include isolation of the infected, observance of social distancing, use of means of individual protection, and inoculation.

Reports of the British strain appeared in mid-December. Due to this, many countries suspended air service with the UK, including Russia which on January 12 extended flight suspension through February 1.