As the race for a potential Covid-19 vaccine continues in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, scientists have managed to find out an important weakness of the virus, according to a report.
Researchers from Russia’s VECTOR State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology in Novosibirsk, Siberia have figured out that ordinary water can help restrict the growth of the virus, according to Sputnik News report.
In their study, scientists discovered that about 90% of the virus’ particles die in room temperature water in the course of 24 hours, with 99.9% succumbing within 72 hours. Furthermore, scientists confirmed that boiling water containing Covid-19 kills it immediately and completely.
Significantly, researchers also found that although the virus does not multiply in dechlorinated and sea water, it can remain viable for some time, with its lifespan depending directly on the water’s temperature. Chlorinated water is also said to be highly effective at killing the virus, the report said.
The findings of the researchers were presented recently by Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer protection and human wellbeing watchdog.
In the Covid-19 vaccine front, the country has been showing significant results in vaccine trials.
According to reports, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, a state research facility in Moscow, had completed clinical trials of the Covid-19 vaccine and paperwork is being prepared to register it.
He also said that they are preparing a mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus for October, said Reuters citing local news agencies' reports. Murashko adde that the authorities are considering getting doctors and teachers vaccinated against the virus first, according to a report.
A source told Reuters this week that Russia's first potential Covid-19 vaccine would secure local regulatory approval in August and be administered to health workers soon thereafter.
Meanwhile, Russia registered 5,462 Covid-19 cases, bringing the cumulative total to 845,443, the country's coronavirus response centre said on Saturday.
The country reported 95 new deaths from the novel coronavirus on Saturday, pushing its national tally to 14,058.
With inputs from agencies
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