Doctors sound the alarm and say that the doubling in the number of cases of COVID-19 and of serious forms of the infection show that the new British strain reached Moldova. As the strain cannot be detected in labs in Moldova, specialists of the National Public Health Agency sent samples abroad to detect the presence of the new strain. Meanwhile, specialists say only the immunization of 70% of the country’s population can help contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ex-deputy minister of health Liliana Iașan said that even if the strain hasn’t been detected officially, the doctors are sure that the British COVID-19 strain got to Moldova and the sudden rise in the new cases confirms this.

“In the recent past, the lists of contacts have included more persons who came from the UK. Not the doubling in the number of cases, but rather the gravity of the forms makes us think that is the new Bristol strain,” Liliana Iașan stated in the talk show “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.

Immunization specialists say Moldova is logistically prepared for starting the vaccination campaign. Before vaccination, the citizens should know about the existence of reactions to the vaccine.

University lecturer Ninel Revenco, specialist in immunization, said there can be allergic reactions to any vaccine, including local pan and rush, fever up to 38 degrees Celsius, headache and muscle pain that lasts for 24-48 hours.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection initially said the immunization campaign in Moldova will start in the middle of February, but the campaign hasn’t been yet kicked off. The vaccines that are to be delivered to Moldova through the COVAX platform are late and are expected to be supplied by the end of this month.