Tajikistan currently lacks the ability to identify and determine the coronavirus infection strains, including Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population, Jamoliddin Abdullozoda, told reporters in Dushanbe on February 10.

“We didn't think we'd ever need special genetic type diagnostic equipment.  However, the Health Ministry plans to purchase the appropriate equipment in the first quarter of this year under direct support of partners for development,” the minister said.  

At the same time, Abdullozoda noted that in general, the country does not have an urgent need to identify the coronavirus infection strains, including Omicron, “because the main treatment for coronavirus is primarily in prescribing antiviral drugs and the administration of antiviral drugs and drugs to improve immunity.”