MINSK, 1 February (BelTA) – There is no increase in influenza cases in Belarus yet, the press service of the Belarusian Healthcare Ministry said following a working meeting to discuss COVID-19 containment measures. The meeting was chaired by Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich, BelTA has learned.

Experts discussed the latest on the coronavirus, as well as possible developments taking into account the expected rise in influenza cases. According to the National Research Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, an increase in the incidence of viral infections is traditionally observed in January-February. “However, the results of the sentinel surveillance suggest that influenza viruses have not been reported this year (up until now). Perhaps, the efforts to combat COVID-19 had an impact on the spread of influenza viruses; vaccination also played an important role,” the press service noted.

The sentinel analysis suggests that the spread of the coronavirus infection is slowing down. At the same time, coronavirus is not being replaced by other viruses.

Taking part in the meeting were representatives of the Healthcare Ministry, the country's leading infectious disease specialists, clinicians and epidemiologists, heads of health departments and the health committee of the Minsk City Hall, national research centers and other healthcare institutions.

Belta