12 cases of “British strain” of coronavirus detected in Kazakhstan
В Казахстане выявлены 12 случаев «британского штамма» коронавируса 31.03.2021

In the laboratory of molecular genetic research of the Republican State Enterprise on REM “National Center of Expertise” of the CSEC of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the city of Nur-Sultan, 265 samples with a positive result of COVID-19 were examined for the genetic characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by whole genome sequencing. These samples were obtained from 14 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

As a result of the analysis of nucleotide sequences, experts were able to identify the genotype of the "British strain" in 12 viruses.

Of the 12 strains, 8 cases are imported, which were found in arrivals from international flights to Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

To date, a high detection rate of the “British” and “South African” SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains has been noted in these countries.

Also, 4 viruses with the “British strain” genotype, which do not belong to the imported group, were found in Nur-Sultan, Almaty and Aktobe region. It is assumed that the virus spread from citizens who arrived from abroad.