Rospotrebnadzor reported an increase in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Russia

 In Russia, the incidence of ARVI and influenza has increased over the week, the incidence of COVID-19 is decreasing, the press service of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) reported.

"In the 51st week of 2023, the Russian Federation recorded an increase in the number of cases of influenza and ARVI by 5% compared to last week. In 46 regions of the Russian Federation, the incidence rates exceed the Russian average. The structure is dominated by respiratory viruses of non-influenza etiology," the message reads.

It is specified that in total more than 1.2 million cases of the disease have been registered, which is 26.8% less than in the same period of the last epidemic season.

About 80 million people have been vaccinated against influenza, Rospotrebnadzor noted.

"The incidence of COVID-19 continues to decline. More than 77 thousand cases have been registered, which is 18.7% lower compared to the previous week," the press service added.

The head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova, quoted by the press service, said that epidemic safety during New Year's events remains under the control of the department.

"Epidemiological safety during New Year's events remains under the control of Rospotrebnadzor. To pay special attention to arriving tourists and transit passengers, to continue information work aimed at explaining the need to comply with preventive measures in public places," Popova said.

The head of the department instructed the territorial authorities to monitor the epidemic situation and pay special attention to the movement of organized groups of children to places of recreation and New Year's events.