Djerlek: We've been surrounded by Omicron for weeks, it's a matter of days before we register it

Photo: Tanjug/Nikola Andjic

State Secretary at the Ministry of Health Dr. Mirsad Djerlek says that the Omicron strain of coronavirus should not be taken lightly. He noted that other strains in the past worsened the epidemiological situation. He added that the most important thing is to get vaccinated as soon as possible, both with the first dose and the third dose, because we will increase collective immunity.

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Dr. Mirsad Djerlek told RTS that we have been surrounded by the Omicron virus for several weeks.

"It has not been officially registered yet (in Serbia). It's a question of time when it will be," said Djerlek.

He stressed that we should not take it lightly, because we do not know what it can bring with it.

"Israelis published a study that shows vaccines are 18 percent less effective. The vaccine is still effective, but 93 and 75 percent are not the same," said Djerlek.

He pointed out that all new strains would in the past worsen the epidemiological situation, and that the Omicron strain will probably have the same effect.

"I expect that it will gain strength only after about a month or two. These are still some initial test," Djerlek said.

Last year, he added, the flu virus was not verified.

"Infectious disease specialists have warned that the flu virus will appear. That is worrying, because he was registered in mid-December, and it will show his greatest strength in January, February and March. We have only 315,000 vaccinated people. We have two viruses at the same time, and on the other hand epidemiological risks, celebrations, two Christmases, the arrival of people from abroad. So, at the end of January, we can expect an increase in the number of new cases," says Djerlek.

He added that the situation is more stable compared to a month ago, but far from favorable.

"We have to reach below 500 (new daily cases), then below 100, in order to have a favorable situation. The most important thing is to get vaccinated as soon as possible, both with the first and the third dose, because that will increase collective immunity. All this takes a very long time. All healthcare systems around the world have a problem with organization. We will change the way things function, because in the Covid crisis, we have to pay more attention to non-Covid patients," says Djerlek.

The Ministry of Health, he pointed out, is increasing the intensity of examinations when it comes to screening and surgeries.

"We must use this period, but also use the three Covid hospitals that have been built in our country," said the state secretary in the Ministry of Health.

At 3 pm, he says, when data on new cases arrives, you can also learn how many people have been vaccinated.

"We are now administering very few first doses, a little more second ones, and about 8,000 third ones (per day). Currently, the first dose has been received by about 3,331,000 people, the second by 3,200,000 people, and the third by 1,650,000. It is extremely important that as many people as possible get the third doses, because the effectiveness of the vaccine has been shown to be weakening. After two doses and six months, a global study has shown that protection is 40 percent, while with a booster dose it is 75 percent. Awaiting two viruses, Omicron and the flu with 40 percent, is a big risk," Djerlek believes.

He called on citizens to show high awareness and how much they value their health, and not to allow that with so many vaccines available, lives are still being put at risk.

He said that about 200,000 citizens have obtained a green Covid certificate.

"People are eager to socialize, travel, because this has not only lasted a long time, but will certainly last for another year or two," concluded Djerlek.

(Telegraf.rs)