Possible Lockdown Scenario for Moscow Due to Coronavirus Spike
Here's Yesterday's Lowdown:
Despite Russia shaking off public anti-COVID restrictions back in early May, they've just broken an autumn record for daily COVID-19 cases. Moscow, the heart of it all, reported over a thousand new cases - marking the first surge since late June. According to Almaty.tv and BBC.com, the daily hospitalizations in Moscow have shot up by around 30%.
In light of this escalating epidemiological situation, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is gearing up to dispatch letters to over 5,000 companies. These missives, as revealed by Boris Bulaev, deputy head of the mayor's press service, urge businesses to operate remotely. However, there's no talk about reinstating the pass system or any other sweeping restrictions just yet.
Rumors are swirling that Moscow authorities might reinstate measures specifically for the elderly and those battling chronic illnesses. But no concrete decisions have been announced as of now.
Now, it's crucial to note that since Russia dropped all COVID-related restrictions (including mask mandates and nighttime dining bans) in mid-May, there haven't been any fresh city-specific or nationwide measures enforced. But, as history suggests, Russian COVID-19 data can be a bit sketchy, with underreporting and statistical manipulation being common concerns.
As of now, only about 52% of the Russian population is fully vaccinated, despite the rising cases. Interestingly, China's President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Moscow (May 7–10) is proceeding without any COVID-19 travel restrictions being mentioned in official statements.
Of course, the reliability of the Russian COVID-19 data remains a point of contention, with excess mortality during the pandemic hinting at underreported deaths. Any localized measures in Moscow are bound to face intense scrutiny over transparency.
- Despite Moscow reporting a surge in daily COVID-19 cases and a significant increase in hospitalizations, no concrete decisions have been announced yet to reinstate sweeping restrictions, according to Boris Bulaev, deputy head of the mayor's press service.
- In an attempt to minimize further spread, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is urging businesses to operate remotely, as revealed in letters being dispatched to over 5,000 companies.
- Rumors suggest that Moscow authorities might reinstate measures specifically for the elderly and those battling chronic medical-conditions, but such decisions are yet to be announced officially.
- Science and medical-conditions play a crucial role in the health-and-wellness of the Russian population, particularly as only about 52% of the population is fully vaccinated, despite the rising COVID-19 cases.
