MOSCOW , Russia has set a new record for daily coronavirus deaths. Authorities hope to prevent the spread of contagion by keeping people out of work.
In 24 hours, 1,163 people died from coronavirus in the government’s coronavirus taskforce. This is the highest daily death rate since the pandemic started. This latest death brings the total number of deaths to 236,220. It is the most severe pandemic in Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a period of non-working from October 30 to November 7, during which all state agencies and private businesses will be closed. This is to limit the spread of disease. Russia’s most severely affected regions were encouraged to get started sooner by Putin, who also ordered that the majority of residents be taken off work earlier in the week.
Moscow implemented the measure on Thursday. It closed kindergartens, schools and gyms, entertainment venues, stores and most shops, and restricted takeout and delivery at cafes and restaurants. The key infrastructure companies, food stores, pharmacies, and other businesses remained open.
Only people with digital codes on smartphones can gain access to museums, theatres, and concert halls. This is to show that they have been vaccinated. People over 60 who are not vaccinated have been told to stay at home.
On Friday, Russia saw a 39,849 increase in daily cases, which was just below the all-time record. Although the government had hoped that the nonworking period would reduce spread of the disease by keeping people away from offices and public transport, many Russians took advantage of the unexpected time off to go on a vacation to the coast in Russia’s south or to Egypt or Turkey.
Russia’s slow pace of vaccinations is being blamed by authorities for the soaring number of infections and deaths. As of Friday, 51 million Russians, or just over a third (of the nation’s almost 146 million inhabitants), were fully vaccinated.
Russia was the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine. The shot was named Sputnik V by Russia to highlight its scientific achievements. The vaccination campaign was halted due to widespread public doubt. This is due to contradicting signals from the authorities.
