In seven regions, cases of the new Stratus strain of coronavirus have been confirmed - CPH

This was reported by the Public Health Center on Facebook.

"As of July 16, 38 cases of XFG have been confirmed in Ukraine: in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhya, Kyiv, Poltava, Chernihiv regions, and in Kyiv," the statement said.

According to the Acting Director General of the Public Health Center, Oleksiy Danylenko, Stratus is currently one of the two dominant strains in the world, alongside NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), which has not yet been detected in Ukraine.

"According to available data, it demonstrates an increased ability to spread but does not lead to a more severe course of the disease. In most cases, the clinical picture is limited to symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract, such as hoarseness," Danylenko reported.

The Public Health Center emphasizes that the situation with COVID-19 incidence is fully under control and does not place excessive strain on the healthcare system.

"At the same time, as was the case last year, an increase in COVID-19 cases is observed during the summer period. According to routine epidemiological surveillance data, last week, 684 cases of COVID-19 were recorded, compared to 494 cases the previous week. The most effective protection against COVID-19 remains vaccination. For most people, a single vaccination per year under a simplified vaccination scheme is sufficient, in accordance with the updated recommendations of the NTGEI, approved by the Ministry of Health Order No. 1380 dated August 5, 2024," the Public Health Center added.

Healthcare professionals also note that additional doses — revaccination after 6–12 months — are recommended for individuals at risk of severe COVID-19, such as: adults and children with weakened immunity or chronic diseases; pregnant women; individuals over 60 years old; and representatives of professional risk groups (teachers, military personnel, doctors, etc.).

"Vaccination against COVID-19 is free, and vaccines are available in sufficient quantities in Ukraine. To get vaccinated against COVID-19, contact your family doctor," the Center added.