Coronavirus pandemic to last for another two to five years – Kuzin

The coronavirus pandemic can last for another two to five years, so wearing face masks may remain a mandatory anti-epidemic measure until the final overcoming of COVID-19.

Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Health, Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin said this in an interview with BBC News Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"Masks will remain relevant for quite a long time, perhaps until the last days of overcoming the pandemic in the world. Masks are a fairly effective prophylactic agent for the entire group of acute respiratory viral infections. Masks are recommended indoors, even for vaccinated people. This is a simple and effective protection mechanism. In winter, they also protect against the flu," Kuzin said.

He noted that the coronavirus mutates rapidly and new strains can be found every month, so the pandemic will last for two to five years until a global prevention strategy in the form of either universal vaccination or treatment emerges.

As Ukrinform reported, Deputy Minister of Health - Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin said that Ukraine may strengthen quarantine measures and introduce a lockdown in November if the epidemiological situation worsens.

Ukraine recorded 2,032 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 2,280,203, 

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