Belmedpreparaty company is a potential co-manufacturer of the Russian vaccine against coronavirus in Belarus

Belmedpreparaty company is a potential co-manufacturer of the Russian vaccine against coronavirus in Belarus, Belarus Deputy Healthcare Minister Boris Androsyuk told the media after the meeting with the head of state, BelTA has learned.

"We have practically agreed on the manufacturer. It is Belmedpreparaty company. Now we are working on the transfer of the technology. Specialists of Belarus and Russia are now deciding which vaccine, technology to use,” said the deputy minister.

He recalled that the clinical trials of the Russian vaccine are in progress, including in Belarus. “Only after they have been completed and after the vaccine is confirmed safe we will be able to set the date for mass vaccination against coronavirus,” Boris Androsyuk said.

Boris Androsyuk once again drew attention to the need to comply with the safety recommendations. “First of all, it is masks and social distancing. "At a time of the first wave all people understood it and accepted it. Today, you probably noticed it, this has stopped for some reason. Although if two people wear masks, the probability of contracting infection is reduced by 75%," the deputy minister said. According to the decision of the Healthcare Ministry, it is compulsory for certain categories of workers to wear face masks. All other doctors may do it voluntarily. “We must remember that this is an epidemic and we need to protect ourselves: wear face masks in public places, transport, social and cultural facilities, keep distance of 1-1.5m, limit the number of in-person meetings,” the deputy minister said.