themoscowtimes--2020-04-15--In Russia, Coronavirus Patients Fight Infection, Stigma and Harassment

On a freezing Sunday in Moscow in March , Maria Mukhina received a phone call .
The 27-year-old had recently returned from London with what she thought was a winter cold , traveling through Germany and Finland in a rush to get home before Russia sealed its borders to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Arriving at Terminal F of Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo airport — the hub for all incoming flights from virus hotspots — she had her temperature checked , was swabbed and gave her details to testers in full hazmat suits .
A few days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are you in ?
What floor are you on ?
An ambulance has arrived , they ’ ll take you now , ” said the voice at the end of the line , without introduction .
Mukhina had tested positive for Covid-19 , and , in line with Russia ’ s early response to the pandemic , was taken to Moscow ’ s Kommunarka hospital on the outskirts of the city for isolation until she overcame the infection .
In the weeks that followed Mukhina would face stigmatization , suspicion and harassment as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media , driven by online conspiracy theories and what patients see as low understanding of the coronavirus in Russian society .
“ People wrote to me saying that I was a fraud , a liar , that I was making it up to get followers .
They said people like me should be burned and that I 'm a disgrace to the country , ” she told The Moscow Times .
Mukhina ’ s story is not unique .
As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across Russia at an alarming pace — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 — Covid-19 patients find themselves fighting not only the infection , but stigma , discrimination and intimidation .
Coronavirus patients interviewed by The Moscow Times said they have been hounded by avatars and armchair epidemiologists on social media who accuse them of being paid , actors or lying to win public sympathy .
At the same time , as more communities find that a virus they don ’ t understand is on their doorstep , the harassment is spilling into the offline world , with patients reporting bullying , intimidation and leaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health issues is not uncommon in Russia .
Responding to one instance of online bullying of a Covid-19 sufferer in Kumertau , Bashkortostan , a local politician drew comparisons with the discrimination against HIV/AIDS sufferers in Russia , a phenomenon health experts say has exacerbated that epidemic .
“ There is such an aggressive stigma [ surrounding Covid-19 ] that people ca n't even leave the hospital , ” Irina Kononova , deputy health minister of the region told a local radio station .
“ Just remember the case of HIV/AIDS , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame and shame .
It is still shameful to be ill in Russia .
It is shameful to go to the hospital and it is shameful to be treated.
” In a special paper on stigma around Covid-19 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said the discrimination stems from three overlapping factors .
“ First , it is a disease that ’ s new and for which there are still many unknowns .
Second , we are often afraid of the unknown , and third , it is easy to associate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the WHO said anxiety is “ understandable , ” the harassment and bullying which stem from it exert a heavy toll on patients .
The scepticism and conspiracy theories levelled against Mukhina in Moscow grew so intense that she even broadcast a live stream on Instagram from inside the hospital at 2 a.m. one night , showing her catheter in a bid to prove she really did have the virus .
“ I constantly get hateful comments .
I ’ m amazed how angry people can be .
They say that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as if they are my doctor or have seen my medical records .
It ’ s very upsetting .
It was really difficult for me to return home after being in the hospital , and I still worry how my neighbors will react when I bump into them , ” she said .
Maria Dolgolenko , one of Moscow ’ s early Covid-19 cases , is another victim of the backlash .
She received a barrage of abuse from parents at her son ’ s school after she was hospitalized .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to class when she had a fever and the family had just returned from Europe , even though she didn ’ t know at the time that she was infected with the coronavirus .
“ They were scared , and they started this bullying .
They blamed me .
I was so happy that I was in the hospital , because I was scared that if I was at home they would be outside my house with stones and torches .
Seriously , they were really upset , ” Dolgolenko said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to Russia ’ s borders with Belarus and Ukraine , churchgoers became the victims of an angry local campaign after it emerged that one could have brought the infection from relatives in Moscow , and almost 100 have since tested positive .
Some were forced to resign from their jobs amid local anger , according to the Takie Dela news website , while locals have posted calls to burn the church to the ground online and plastered messages reading “ Die , scum !
” on its doors .
“ Everybody is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose , ” pastor Mikhail Biryukov , who was one of those who caught the virus , said in a video message recorded in hospital .
Patients fear leaks of their personal data could be playing a part in fuelling the reaction to local “ patient zeroes ” and stoking social tensions .
“ This is a time when , with very good reason , healthcare providers will be providing information to the authorities about new infections .
That means the authorities are going to be in control of a lot of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status .
And this underscores the importance of keeping that data private , ” Rachel Denber , deputy director of Human Rights Watch ’ s Europe and Central Asia Division , told The Moscow Times .
In Irkutsk , after the names and addresses of a family whose child caught Covid-19 found their way into the public domain , threats against the family in the city ’ s Viber chat group became so vicious that police officers were stationed outside the family ’ s home .
Authorities say they have launched an investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made public .
In Moscow , both Mukhina and Dolgolenko slammed a highly controversial map published by Telegram channel Mash , which claims to contain the addresses of hundreds of suspected patients .
“ It sets people against each other at a time when they should be joining together and supporting each other .
Crazy people can do anything to a person and their relatives .
It 's scary .
I ’ m outraged by the data leak , I never gave permission to publish this kind of information about me , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not in the database , said the map was “ horrible , ” while Human Rights Watch ’ s Denber called it “ alarming.
” Mash has not revealed where the unverified data came from and did not respond to requests to comment for this article .
The St. Petersburg version of the map claims to include addresses submitted by the public who can report when they spot neighbors being taken to hospital in ambulances .
“ You can definitely feel this stigmatization , ” says Dolgolenko .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s because of this fear.
” Anastasia Jmukhadze , 38 , who is currently in hospital in Moscow with suspected coronavirus said that people are being made to feel guilty about a viral disease , adding that she has seen people ’ s families speak to them as if they are “ lepers ” after a positive diagnosis .
“ It ’ s absurd in the 21st century , but it ’ s happening .
Victim blaming is thriving .
If you ’ re in the hospital , you ’ re not sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re taking somebody else ’ s place .
But if you stay at home , you could be spreading it to other people — there ’ s no place for you in society.
” Calling out such stigmatization is important in managing the pandemic , said Human Rights Watch ’ s Denber .
“ Not only is stigmatization and bullying wrong and unlawful , it is extremely counterproductive , ” she said .
“ It drives people to hide their illness to avoid discrimination , and drives them underground , preventing people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and the authorities have a responsibility to address and condemn that behavior.
” But some patients worry that the virus ’ rapid acceleration is being matched by a spread in public fear , rather than understanding .
“ I ’ m not sure people will become less scared , ” said Dolgolenko .
“ As the numbers of sick people grow , there ’ s no reason to be less scared .
And it ’ s normal to want to blame somebody for that .
”

On a freezing Sunday in Moscow in March, Maria Mukhina received a phone call. The 27-year-old had recently returned from London with what she thought was a winter cold, traveling through Germany and Finland in a rush to get home before Russia sealed its borders to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Arriving at Terminal F of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport — the hub for all incoming flights from virus hotspots — she had her temperature checked, was swabbed and gave her details to testers in full hazmat suits. A few days later the phone rang. “Which apartment are you in? What floor are you on? An ambulance has arrived, they’ll take you now,” said the voice at the end of the line, without introduction. Mukhina had tested positive for Covid-19, and, in line with Russia’s early response to the pandemic, was taken to Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital on the outskirts of the city for isolation until she overcame the infection. In the weeks that followed Mukhina would face stigmatization, suspicion and harassment as she documented her experience battling the coronavirus on social media, driven by online conspiracy theories and what patients see as low understanding of the coronavirus in Russian society. “People wrote to me saying that I was a fraud, a liar, that I was making it up to get followers. They said people like me should be burned and that I'm a disgrace to the country,” she told The Moscow Times.
Mukhina’s story is not unique. As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across Russia at an alarming pace — the official tally of infections is almost 25,000 — Covid-19 patients find themselves fighting not only the infection, but stigma, discrimination and intimidation. Coronavirus patients interviewed by The Moscow Times said they have been hounded by avatars and armchair epidemiologists on social media who accuse them of being paid, actors or lying to win public sympathy. At the same time, as more communities find that a virus they don’t understand is on their doorstep, the harassment is spilling into the offline world, with patients reporting bullying, intimidation and leaks of their personal data. Stigmatization around health issues is not uncommon in Russia. Responding to one instance of online bullying of a Covid-19 sufferer in Kumertau, Bashkortostan, a local politician drew comparisons with the discrimination against HIV/AIDS sufferers in Russia, a phenomenon health experts say has exacerbated that epidemic. “There is such an aggressive stigma [surrounding Covid-19] that people can't even leave the hospital,” Irina Kononova, deputy health minister of the region told a local radio station. “Just remember the case of HIV/AIDS, when everyone believed that the patient was to blame and shame. It is still shameful to be ill in Russia. It is shameful to go to the hospital and it is shameful to be treated.” Fear of the unknown In a special paper on stigma around Covid-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the discrimination stems from three overlapping factors. “First, it is a disease that’s new and for which there are still many unknowns. Second, we are often afraid of the unknown, and third, it is easy to associate that fear with ‘others.’” While the WHO said anxiety is “understandable,” the harassment and bullying which stem from it exert a heavy toll on patients. The scepticism and conspiracy theories levelled against Mukhina in Moscow grew so intense that she even broadcast a live stream on Instagram from inside the hospital at 2 a.m. one night, showing her catheter in a bid to prove she really did have the virus. “I constantly get hateful comments. I’m amazed how angry people can be. They say that I just had pneumonia, not Covid-19, as if they are my doctor or have seen my medical records. It’s very upsetting. It was really difficult for me to return home after being in the hospital, and I still worry how my neighbors will react when I bump into them,” she said.
Maria Dolgolenko, one of Moscow’s early Covid-19 cases, is another victim of the backlash. She received a barrage of abuse from parents at her son’s school after she was hospitalized. They were furious that Dolgolenko had sent her son to class when she had a fever and the family had just returned from Europe, even though she didn’t know at the time that she was infected with the coronavirus. “They were scared, and they started this bullying. They blamed me. I was so happy that I was in the hospital, because I was scared that if I was at home they would be outside my house with stones and torches. Seriously, they were really upset,” Dolgolenko said. In another case in Bryansk, a region close to Russia’s borders with Belarus and Ukraine, churchgoers became the victims of an angry local campaign after it emerged that one could have brought the infection from relatives in Moscow, and almost 100 have since tested positive. Some were forced to resign from their jobs amid local anger, according to the Takie Dela news website, while locals have posted calls to burn the church to the ground online and plastered messages reading “Die, scum!” on its doors. “Everybody is acting as if we did it on purpose,” pastor Mikhail Biryukov, who was one of those who caught the virus, said in a video message recorded in hospital.
Data concerns Patients fear leaks of their personal data could be playing a part in fuelling the reaction to local “patient zeroes” and stoking social tensions. “This is a time when, with very good reason, healthcare providers will be providing information to the authorities about new infections. That means the authorities are going to be in control of a lot of personal confidential data about people’s health status. And this underscores the importance of keeping that data private,” Rachel Denber, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division, told The Moscow Times. In Irkutsk, after the names and addresses of a family whose child caught Covid-19 found their way into the public domain, threats against the family in the city’s Viber chat group became so vicious that police officers were stationed outside the family’s home. Authorities say they have launched an investigation into how the family's information was made public. In Moscow, both Mukhina and Dolgolenko slammed a highly controversial map published by Telegram channel Mash, which claims to contain the addresses of hundreds of suspected patients. “It sets people against each other at a time when they should be joining together and supporting each other. Crazy people can do anything to a person and their relatives. It's scary. I’m outraged by the data leak, I never gave permission to publish this kind of information about me,” said Mukhina. Dolgolenko, whose address is not in the database, said the map was “horrible,” while Human Rights Watch’s Denber called it “alarming.” Mash has not revealed where the unverified data came from and did not respond to requests to comment for this article. The St. Petersburg version of the map claims to include addresses submitted by the public who can report when they spot neighbors being taken to hospital in ambulances.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-15--Coronavirus Outbreak Hits Novatek’s Arctic LNG Construction Site

The Murmansk region ’ s coronavirus outbreak is largely concentrated at a construction site run by one of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ ( LNG ) producers , the investigative Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported Wednesday .
The region @ @ @ @ @ recorded 137 new infections on Wednesday , most of which were among employees at Novatek @ @ @ @ @ the village of Belokamenka .
A total of 206 coronavirus cases have been reported in @ @ @ @ @ than three-quarters of the Murmansk region ’ s 265 cases .
A state of emergency @ @ @ @ @ site , which is building a large-capacity offshore LNG facility , but employees are continuing @ @ @ @ @ Novaya Gazeta reported .

The Murmansk region’s coronavirus outbreak is largely concentrated at a construction site run by one of Russia’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers, the investigative Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported Wednesday.
The region in Russia’s Arctic recorded 137 new infections on Wednesday, most of which were among employees at Novatek’s construction site in the village of Belokamenka. A total of 206 coronavirus cases have been reported in Belokamenka, making up more than three-quarters of the Murmansk region’s 265 cases.
A state of emergency has been declared at the site, which is building a large-capacity offshore LNG facility, but employees are continuing to work as usual, Novaya Gazeta reported.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-15--Traffic Jams, Large Queues Mark First Day of Moscow’s Coronavirus Travel Passes

Muscovites complained of large queues outside metro stations and severe traffic jams on the first day of the city ’ s mandatory digital lockdown passes , prompting concern that the coronavirus could spread further .
Moscow ’ s digital pass system , created to monitor and enforce residents ’ movements around the city during its coronavirus lockdown , was first introduced on Monday and became mandatory at midnight Wednesday .
Passes are required for all trips by public and personal transport , including taxis , and residents face steep fines for violations .
Photos posted on social media showed large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s metro stations during rush hour Wednesday morning as people waited to have their passes checked .
Some wrote that wait times were as long as 30-40 minutes .
“ Those who haven ’ t gotten sick yet will definitely get sick now , ” one person wrote on Twitter .
Traffic data also showed traffic jams forming at nearly all entryways to the city as Moscow traffic police checked cars for the passes .
“ Many people in Moscow are still going to their jobs because they perform essential work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch , told The Moscow Times .
“ Yes , the authorities need to enforce social distancing .
It needs to do so in a way that ’ s proportionate .
But the new QR code system , combined with this kind of enforcement , is handing these people , who are already putting themselves on the line , unnecessary , potentially hazardous , burden.
” The state-run TASS news agency reported that the metro lines formed due to a shortage of police officers to check passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not able to comment on the actions of the police , ” the Moscow metro ’ s press service said when asked about the large queues .
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin later said the metro queues had been eliminated and that the city will need to develop an automated system for checking metro passengers ' passes .
On Monday , city authorities said they had rejected 900,000 applications for the passes due to residents entering incorrect or inaccurate information .
Moscow has emerged as the epicenter of Russia ’ s coronavirus outbreak , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases as of Tuesday .
Experts have warned that the Russian capital is at risk of an outbreak on par with that of New York City , the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States .

Muscovites complained of large queues outside metro stations and severe traffic jams on the first day of the city’s mandatory digital lockdown passes, prompting concern that the coronavirus could spread further. Moscow’s digital pass system, created to monitor and enforce residents’ movements around the city during its coronavirus lockdown, was first introduced on Monday and became mandatory at midnight Wednesday. Passes are required for all trips by public and personal transport, including taxis, and residents face steep fines for violations.
Photos posted on social media showed large, closely packed crowds outside the city’s metro stations during rush hour Wednesday morning as people waited to have their passes checked. Some wrote that wait times were as long as 30-40 minutes. “Those who haven’t gotten sick yet will definitely get sick now,” one person wrote on Twitter. Traffic data also showed traffic jams forming at nearly all entryways to the city as Moscow traffic police checked cars for the passes. “Many people in Moscow are still going to their jobs because they perform essential work,” Rachel Denber, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, told The Moscow Times. “Yes, the authorities need to enforce social distancing. It needs to do so in a way that’s proportionate. But the new QR code system, combined with this kind of enforcement, is handing these people, who are already putting themselves on the line, unnecessary, potentially hazardous, burden.”


themoscowtimes--2020-04-15--Russia's Coronavirus Cases Rise By 3,388 in Latest One-Day Record Surge

Russia ’ s officially reported numbers — which are still relatively lower than those in European countries — have sparked @ @ @ @ @ Russia 's testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy , while officials warn that the real @ @ @ @ @ much higher .
The majority of Russia 's cases are in Moscow .
Since March @ @ @ @ @ 's 12 million residents have been ordered to stay in their homes with few exceptions @ @ @ @ @ has infected over 2 million people .

The highest number of new cases were in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russia's fatality rate has remained low compared to other badly-hit countries, raising speculation that Moscow could be underreporting figures.
Russian authorities began easing anti-virus measures in June ahead of a massive World War II military parade in Moscow and a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms that now allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036.
Both events were initially postponed due the epidemic.
Moscow opened cinemas and theaters on Aug. 1. In the capital, masks are mandatory in stores and on public transport but not in the streets.
Several institutes in Russia are working on a coronavirus vaccine.
The Russian Defense Ministry has said it developed a "safe" vaccine following clinical trials on a group of volunteers.
The trials are ongoing, and the Defense Ministry expects clinical trials to be fully completed in the coming weeks.
AFP contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Ukraine Security Service Catches Alleged Russian Spy in Its Ranks

The Ukrainian security service said on Tuesday it has detained a high-ranking employee on suspicion of spying for Russia and @ @ @ @ @ investigation has uncovered `` indisputable evidence '' including audio and video recordings which show that @ @ @ @ @ planned terror attacks in Ukraine and collected intelligence for Russia 's FSB security service , @ @ @ @ @ `` Unfortunately , a man who had to protect Ukraine in fact worked against it @ @ @ @ @ Bakanov was quoted as saying in a statement .
Shaytanov was detained as a result @ @ @ @ @ long-term , multi-level special operation , '' Bakanov said .
Authorities are gearing up to @ @ @ @ @ and planning terror attacks against the detained man , the security service added .

The Ukrainian security service said on Tuesday it has detained a high-ranking employee on suspicion of spying for Russia and planning terror attacks.
The investigation has uncovered "indisputable evidence" including audio and video recordings which show that Major General Valery Shaytanov had planned terror attacks in Ukraine and collected intelligence for Russia's FSB security service, the SBU service said.
"Unfortunately, a man who had to protect Ukraine in fact worked against it," SBU chief Ivan Bakanov was quoted as saying in a statement.
Shaytanov was detained as a result of "a complicated, long-term, multi-level special operation," Bakanov said.
Authorities are gearing up to lay charges of state treason and planning terror attacks against the detained man, the security service added.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Russians’ Positive Opinions of Putin Fall for 3rd Straight Year – Poll

Putin ’ s approval rating reached an all-time high of 87 % after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 , but has been slowly falling since then as Putin enacted controversial pension reforms and the Russian economy stagnated .
Russians ’ opinions toward President Vladimir Putin have become more negative for a third consecutive year as he pursues constitutional changes that will allow him to extend his rule through 2036 , according to a survey published by the independent Levada Center pollster on Tuesday .
The share of Russian respondents who said they viewed Putin with positive feelings like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Levada ’ s latest poll , down from 32 % in October 2019 and 42 % in April 2017 .
At the same time , the share of Russians who view Putin with negative emotions like antipathy or disgust rose to 8 % , Levada said .
The percentage of Russians with neutral feelings toward Putin stayed relatively consistent at 60 % , down from 61 % in October 2019 .
According to Levada , Russians are less likely to describe Putin as a determined , strong-willed person .
Twenty-five percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these characteristics , compared with 30 % the last time Levada asked this question in July 2018 .
Only 13 % of respondents said they would describe him as “ a true leader who can lead the people , ” down from 17 % in 2018 .
Conversely , 38 % of respondents said they believe that Putin represents the interests of tycoons , bankers and big business .
Thirty-seven percent said the president represents the interests of Russia ’ s security forces , and 28 % said he acts in the interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of respondents said that Putin pays attention to the needs of middle-class Russians and only 16 % said pays attention to issues that face the working class .
According to Levada , 14 % of Russians said Putin has ties with corrupt politicians and 13 % percent of respondents said he has ties to big capital .
At the same time , 43 % of Russians said that `` they do not see ” anyone else “ who they could rely on , '' Levada said .
Levada Center Director Lev Gudkov said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged ties to big business is linked to the recent fall in oil prices and subsequent drop in the value of the ruble .
“ This issue was widely discussed online , and the events themselves affected the most informed segments of the population and young people .
Sympathies for the president have fallen the most among young people .
And for the first time , it has been through social media , where these events were widely discussed , that such a reaction to political and economic events happened , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Levada conducted the survey among 1,624 respondents in 50 regions nationwide on March 19-25 .

Putin’s approval rating reached an all-time high of 87% after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, but has been slowly falling since then as Putin enacted controversial pension reforms and the Russian economy stagnated.
Russians’ opinions toward President Vladimir Putin have become more negative for a third consecutive year as he pursues constitutional changes that will allow him to extend his rule through 2036, according to a survey published by the independent Levada Center pollster on Tuesday.
The share of Russian respondents who said they viewed Putin with positive feelings like admiration or sympathy stood at 29% in Levada’s latest poll, down from 32% in October 2019 and 42% in April 2017.
At the same time, the share of Russians who view Putin with negative emotions like antipathy or disgust rose to 8%, Levada said.
The percentage of Russians with neutral feelings toward Putin stayed relatively consistent at 60%, down from 61% in October 2019.
According to Levada, Russians are less likely to describe Putin as a determined, strong-willed person. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they would describe Putin with these characteristics, compared with 30% the last time Levada asked this question in July 2018.
Only 13% of respondents said they would describe him as “a true leader who can lead the people,” down from 17% in 2018.
Conversely, 38% of respondents said they believe that Putin represents the interests of tycoons, bankers and big business. Thirty-seven percent said the president represents the interests of Russia’s security forces, and 28% said he acts in the interests of bureaucrats.
Just 18% percent of respondents said that Putin pays attention to the needs of middle-class Russians and only 16% said pays attention to issues that face the working class.
According to Levada, 14% of Russians said Putin has ties with corrupt politicians and 13% percent of respondents said he has ties to big capital. At the same time, 43% of Russians said that "they do not see” anyone else “who they could rely on," Levada said.
Levada Center Director Lev Gudkov said that public opinion about Putin’s alleged ties to big business is linked to the recent fall in oil prices and subsequent drop in the value of the ruble.
“This issue was widely discussed online, and the events themselves affected the most informed segments of the population and young people. Sympathies for the president have fallen the most among young people. And for the first time, it has been through social media, where these events were widely discussed, that such a reaction to political and economic events happened,” the Vedomosti business daily quoted Gudkov as saying.
Levada conducted the survey among 1,624 respondents in 50 regions nationwide on March 19-25.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Moscow Risks New York-Level Coronavirus Outbreak, Expert Says

The Russian capital has reported 13,002 out of Russia ’ s 21,102 coronavirus cases as of Tuesday , a fraction of the 106,763 confirmed cases and 7,349 deaths in New York City .
Case numbers there skyrocketed after the city expanded testing capacity , virologist Sergei Netyosov said in an interview with Russia ’ s health news website Reminder on Monday .
Similar population density means Russia ’ s coronavirus outbreak could hit Moscow with the same intensity as it has hit New York City , the epicenter of the United States ’ outbreak , a top virologist has warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially in Manhattan , is the same as inside Moscow ’ s Garden Ring .
There ’ s very active contact between people : residents are used to going to cafes or restaurants two to three times a day , ” Netyosov was quoted as saying .
“ There are very many conditions for transmission , that ’ s why there ’ s an epidemiological rampage .
We ’ ll have the same [ coronavirus ] picture , especially in Moscow .
I strongly suspect this , although I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netyosov is the Novosibirsk State University ’ s head of microbiology and virology lab and the former head of Vektor , which until recently was Russia ’ s only coronavirus testing lab .
Russia ’ s officially reported numbers have sparked suspicion , especially after China reported a second wave of new infections coming mainly from Russia and tightened border security measures .
Experts warn that Russia 's testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy , while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher .

The Russian capital has reported 13,002 out of Russia’s 21,102 coronavirus cases as of Tuesday, a fraction of the 106,763 confirmed cases and 7,349 deaths in New York City. Case numbers there skyrocketed after the city expanded testing capacity, virologist Sergei Netyosov said in an interview with Russia’s health news website Reminder on Monday.
Similar population density means Russia’s coronavirus outbreak could hit Moscow with the same intensity as it has hit New York City, the epicenter of the United States’ outbreak, a top virologist has warned .
“The overcrowding in New York, especially in Manhattan, is the same as inside Moscow’s Garden Ring. There’s very active contact between people: residents are used to going to cafes or restaurants two to three times a day,” Netyosov was quoted as saying.
“There are very many conditions for transmission, that’s why there’s an epidemiological rampage. We’ll have the same [coronavirus] picture, especially in Moscow. I strongly suspect this, although I don’t want to,” he added.
Netyosov is the Novosibirsk State University’s head of microbiology and virology lab and the former head of Vektor, which until recently was Russia’s only coronavirus testing lab.
Russia’s officially reported numbers have sparked suspicion, especially after China reported a second wave of new infections coming mainly from Russia and tightened border security measures.
Experts warn that Russia's testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Trump-Linked Contractor Offered Military Services to Russia’s Wagner in Africa – Intercept

The Wagner Group , a sanctioned outfit with links to the Kremlin through a sanctioned catering magnate , has been reported to be fighting in Syria , eastern Ukraine and other conflict-torn countries on behalf of the Russian government .
Prince , the founder of military contractor Blackwater and the brother of Trump ’ s education secretary , has previously been investigated for allegedly trying to set up a back-channel between the Kremlin and the Trump administration during its January 2017 transition .
Erik Prince , a security contractor with close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Wagner mercenary group in Libya and Mozambique earlier this year , investigative website The Intercept reported Monday .
Prince ’ s alleged offer , which The Intercept describes based on two unnamed sources with knowledge of the efforts , raises questions about whether Trump administration officials authorized or even knew about his meetings .
“ Any business relationship between Prince and Wagner would , in effect , make the influential Trump administration adviser a subcontractor to the Russian military , ” The Intercept wrote .
Wagner refused Prince ’ s offers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mozambique , The Intercept cited three unnamed sources as saying .
Prince ’ s lawyer denied that his client met any Wagner representatives .
Prince had also offered to supply Wagner with a ground force and aviation-based surveillance , The Intercept cited documents it said it has seen and another person familiar with the proposal as saying .
Sanctions experts told the outlet that soliciting from Wagner , which the Trump administration blacklisted in June 2017 for the conflict in Ukraine , would be an “ apparent violation.
” Pitching business to Wagner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ egregious thing to do , ” The Intercept quoted the U.S. Treasury Department ’ s former senior sanctions adviser Brian O ’ Toole as saying .
“ Whether you make that [ legal ] case is an entirely separate matter , ” O ’ Toole was quoted as saying .
Libya has been engulfed in a civil war that has turned into a proxy war between foreign powers since the country ’ s 2011 uprising against its longtime leader .
Mozambique has been battling an Islamist insurgency for almost three years .

The Wagner Group, a sanctioned outfit with links to the Kremlin through a sanctioned catering magnate, has been reported to be fighting in Syria, eastern Ukraine and other conflict-torn countries on behalf of the Russian government. Prince, the founder of military contractor Blackwater and the brother of Trump’s education secretary, has previously been investigated for allegedly trying to set up a back-channel between the Kremlin and the Trump administration during its January 2017 transition.
Erik Prince, a security contractor with close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, offered military services to Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in Libya and Mozambique earlier this year, investigative website The Intercept reported Monday.
Prince’s alleged offer, which The Intercept describes based on two unnamed sources with knowledge of the efforts, raises questions about whether Trump administration officials authorized or even knew about his meetings.
“Any business relationship between Prince and Wagner would, in effect, make the influential Trump administration adviser a subcontractor to the Russian military,” The Intercept wrote.
Wagner refused Prince’s offers to support its alleged operations in Libya and Mozambique, The Intercept cited three unnamed sources as saying.
Prince’s lawyer denied that his client met any Wagner representatives.
Prince had also offered to supply Wagner with a ground force and aviation-based surveillance, The Intercept cited documents it said it has seen and another person familiar with the proposal as saying.
Sanctions experts told the outlet that soliciting from Wagner, which the Trump administration blacklisted in June 2017 for the conflict in Ukraine, would be an “apparent violation.”
Pitching business to Wagner “would seem to be a fairly egregious thing to do,” The Intercept quoted the U.S. Treasury Department’s former senior sanctions adviser Brian O’Toole as saying.
“Whether you make that [legal] case is an entirely separate matter,” O’Toole was quoted as saying.
Libya has been engulfed in a civil war that has turned into a proxy war between foreign powers since the country’s 2011 uprising against its longtime leader. Mozambique has been battling an Islamist insurgency for almost three years.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Russia Braces for Worst as Coronavirus Spreads to Hinterland

Consumer health watchdog chief Anna Popova warned that infections in Russia 's regions were spreading through hotspots , over half of them in healthcare facilities .
The Moscow region , where many of those working in the capital live , has registered a much higher than average rate of infection , with 36 percent of new cases on Monday against a national average of about 16 percent .
Moscow , with a population of more than 12 million people , is the coronavirus epicenter in Russia and has so far reported just over 13,000 cases out of the nationwide tally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know about the epidemic in Russia : Russia has been seeing an increase in coronavirus infections despite a series of confinement measures , prompting President Vladimir Putin to warn of `` extraordinary '' scenarios .
Clinics have become the main spreaders in the northern Komi republic , which has reported one of the highest per-capita rates in the country .
Komi governor resigned this month amid accusations that he had failed to contain the outbreak .
Putin , who initially insisted the contagion was `` under control , '' on Monday warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most complicated and extraordinary '' scenarios .
Since the start of the outbreak , the Kremlin chief has addressed the public several times , urging Russians to stay at home but telling their employers to continue paying their salaries without giving the companies any support .
He acknowledged on Tuesday that the lockdown was a `` shock '' to industries and said more anti-crisis measures were needed .
In an effort to battle the epidemic , the government has mobilized additional healthcare workers , recruiting medical school teachers , researchers and post-graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with additional online courses .
Some 33 billion rubles ( $ 449 million ) has been allocated to preparing 95,000 additional hospital beds .
Russia reported having carried out 1.4 million coronavirus tests , becoming one of the `` leading countries '' in terms of people tested , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said .
Popova , the consumer health watchdog chief , has claimed the result is 98 percent accurate .
But some experts have voiced concern over the quality of the tests , with one senior doctor saying last week that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative results .
On Tuesday the health watchdog was due to begin testing Moscow healthcare workers for antibodies to the coronavirus .
The lockdown could leave some 8 million people jobless this year , warned Alexei Kudrin , head of the state Audit Chamber and a former finance minister .
A report called Coronacrisis-2020 published by a group of liberal Russian economists on Monday predicted that the country 's economy could shrink by up to 9 % this year .
Government support measures announced so far amounted to just 2.5 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Western countries , they said .

Russia has been seeing an increase in coronavirus infections despite a series of confinement measures, prompting President Vladimir Putin to warn of "extraordinary" scenarios. Here are five things to know about the epidemic in Russia: Where is the virus spreading? Moscow, with a population of more than 12 million people, is the coronavirus epicenter in Russia and has so far reported just over 13,000 cases out of the nationwide tally of 21,102. The Moscow region, where many of those working in the capital live, has registered a much higher than average rate of infection, with 36 percent of new cases on Monday against a national average of about 16 percent. Consumer health watchdog chief Anna Popova warned that infections in Russia's regions were spreading through hotspots, over half of them in healthcare facilities.
Clinics have become the main spreaders in the northern Komi republic, which has reported one of the highest per-capita rates in the country. Komi governor resigned this month amid accusations that he had failed to contain the outbreak. Putin concerned Putin, who initially insisted the contagion was "under control," on Monday warned that Russia should be ready for "the most complicated and extraordinary" scenarios. Since the start of the outbreak, the Kremlin chief has addressed the public several times, urging Russians to stay at home but telling their employers to continue paying their salaries without giving the companies any support. He acknowledged on Tuesday that the lockdown was a "shock" to industries and said more anti-crisis measures were needed. Measures taken In an effort to battle the epidemic, the government has mobilized additional healthcare workers, recruiting medical school teachers, researchers and post-graduate medical students and providing 1.1 million medics with additional online courses. Some 33 billion rubles ($449 million) has been allocated to preparing 95,000 additional hospital beds. Russia reported having carried out 1.4 million coronavirus tests, becoming one of the "leading countries" in terms of people tested, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said. Popova, the consumer health watchdog chief, has claimed the result is 98 percent accurate. But some experts have voiced concern over the quality of the tests, with one senior doctor saying last week that up to 30 percent may return false negative results. On Tuesday the health watchdog was due to begin testing Moscow healthcare workers for antibodies to the coronavirus. Economic consequences The lockdown could leave some 8 million people jobless this year, warned Alexei Kudrin, head of the state Audit Chamber and a former finance minister. A report called Coronacrisis-2020 published by a group of liberal Russian economists on Monday predicted that the country's economy could shrink by up to 9% this year. Government support measures announced so far amounted to just 2.5% of the GDP and paled in comparison to those in Western countries, they said.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--China Offers Reward for Catching Russian Border Crossers

After a deluge of imported coronavirus cases , a province in northeastern China is offering cash rewards of up to 5,000 yuan ( 700 USD ) for help in catching people who illegally cross the Russian border .
Weeks after the cancelling international flights and banning entry to foreigners , China is still struggling to contain a spike in imported cases .
Most of the new infections have been identified in Chinese citizens returning home from abroad .
A new front has emerged in Heilongjiang province , which on Tuesday reported 79 new cases in the form of arrivals from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of imported infections to 326 .
Provincial authorities said on Monday that people who report illegal border crossings will receive a 3,000-yuan reward .
`` If the citizen captures and hands over ( offenders ) to relevant departments , there will be a one-off reward of 5,000 yuan , '' the virus prevention and control working group said in a statement .
Most of the province 's imported cases were discovered in the remote border city of Suifenhe , whose land crossing - the busiest between China and Russia , with over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed since April 7 .
The city , which holds a population of some 70,000 , has been under strict lockdown since last week .
Local officials said a makeshift hospital was completed and ready for use on Tuesday , and medical experts have been dispatched to the area from across the country .
Suifenhe and the provincial capital of Harbin now require all overseas arrivals to quarantine for 28 days and to undergo tests for the virus .
Russia on Monday reported more than 2,500 new infections - its highest daily rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials to brace for `` extraordinary '' scenarios .
On Tuesday , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged local governments in China and Russia to `` take the necessary measures '' to prevent and stop illegal border crossings .
Zhao estimated that there are currently more than 100,000 Chinese citizens in Russia .

After a deluge of imported coronavirus cases, a province in northeastern China is offering cash rewards of up to 5,000 yuan (700 USD) for help in catching people who illegally cross the Russian border.
Weeks after the cancelling international flights and banning entry to foreigners, China is still struggling to contain a spike in imported cases.
Most of the new infections have been identified in Chinese citizens returning home from abroad.
A new front has emerged in Heilongjiang province, which on Tuesday reported 79 new cases in the form of arrivals from neighbouring Russia. This influx brought the total of imported infections to 326.
Provincial authorities said on Monday that people who report illegal border crossings will receive a 3,000-yuan reward.
"If the citizen captures and hands over (offenders) to relevant departments, there will be a one-off reward of 5,000 yuan," the virus prevention and control working group said in a statement.
Most of the province's imported cases were discovered in the remote border city of Suifenhe, whose land crossing - the busiest between China and Russia, with over one million travellers annually - has been closed since April 7.
The city, which holds a population of some 70,000, has been under strict lockdown since last week.
Local officials said a makeshift hospital was completed and ready for use on Tuesday, and medical experts have been dispatched to the area from across the country.
Suifenhe and the provincial capital of Harbin now require all overseas arrivals to quarantine for 28 days and to undergo tests for the virus.
Russia on Monday reported more than 2,500 new infections - its highest daily rise yet - and President Vladimir Putin warned officials to brace for "extraordinary" scenarios.
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged local governments in China and Russia to "take the necessary measures" to prevent and stop illegal border crossings.
Zhao estimated that there are currently more than 100,000 Chinese citizens in Russia.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Kiev Says 'No Open Fire' in Forests of Chernobyl Nuclear Zone

Ukraine said Tuesday only small isolated fires remain at the scene of a blaze that erupted 10 days ago in the Chernobyl exclusion zone , scene of the world 's worst nuclear accident in 1986 .
`` There is no open fire , '' the emergency services said in a statement , adding that radiation levels are within the norm .
Chernobyl polluted a large swathe of Europe when its fourth reactor exploded in April 1986 .
People are not allowed to live within 30 kilometers ( 18 miles ) of the power station .
Police have said the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man burning dry grass near the exclusion zone around the ruined reactor .
The flames spread quickly , fanned by strong winds .
Kiev has mobilized helicopters and more than 400 firefighters , with planes dropping hundreds of tons of water on the fire .
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on Monday he is `` closely '' following the situation and was `` grateful for the courage '' of the firefighters .
On Tuesday the president said he will hear a report from the chairman of the emergency service and that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe . ''
Oleksandr Syrota , head of the Chernobyl information center , welcomed reports of rain in the exclusion zone as `` good news '' on Facebook .
The interior ministry 's spokesperson said rain `` has greatly helped rescuers who have been fighting with fire in the area for over a week . ''
While forest fires are common in the exclusion zone , Greenpeace Russia said Monday that this is the worst since the 1986 nuclear explosion .
The environmental campaign group said that analysis of satellite images showed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 kilometers ( less than a mile ) from the protective dome over the ruined reactor .
Sergiy Zibtsev , head of the Regional Eastern European Fire Monitoring Center , told AFP that the fire is `` super-huge '' and `` unpredictable . ''
`` In the west of the exclusion zone it has already covered 20,000 hectares ( 50,000 acres ) by our calculations . ''
The Ukrainian emergency service has not provided recent figures on the size of the fire , but said that `` there is no threat to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities '' .
Government agencies have insisted the fire has not caused a spike in radiation levels .
After the 1986 explosion , the three other reactors at Chernobyl continued to generate electricity until the power station finally closed in 2000 .
A giant protective dome was put in place over the fourth reactor in 2016 .

Ukraine said Tuesday only small isolated fires remain at the scene of a blaze that erupted 10 days ago in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, scene of the world's worst nuclear accident in 1986. "There is no open fire," the emergency services said in a statement, adding that radiation levels are within the norm.
This map, released by the tour operators, supposedly shows how close the fire is now to the #Chernobyl power station itself. pic.twitter.com/2KAE6aQNKA — Patrick Reevell (@Reevellp) April 13, 2020
Chernobyl polluted a large swathe of Europe when its fourth reactor exploded in April 1986. People are not allowed to live within 30 kilometers (18 miles) of the power station. Police have said the fire was sparked on April 4 by a man burning dry grass near the exclusion zone around the ruined reactor. The flames spread quickly, fanned by strong winds. Kiev has mobilized helicopters and more than 400 firefighters, with planes dropping hundreds of tons of water on the fire. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on Monday he is "closely" following the situation and was "grateful for the courage" of the firefighters. On Tuesday the president said he will hear a report from the chairman of the emergency service and that "society should know the truth and be safe." Oleksandr Syrota, head of the Chernobyl information center, welcomed reports of rain in the exclusion zone as "good news" on Facebook.
news Radiation Spike as Forest Fire Hits Chernobyl Nuclear Zone Read more


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Chechen Leader Threatens Journalist Who Investigated Region’s Harsh Virus Quarantine

The story , authored by Novaya Gazeta journalist Yelena Milashina , cited quarantined Chechens as saying Sunday that they stopped reporting coronavirus symptoms for fear of being labeled “ terrorists.
” Kadyrov reportedly accused “ that woman , if you can call her that , ” of writing “ nonsense.
” Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has threatened an investigative journalist Monday for a “ provocative ” story on the Russian region ’ s strict anti-coronavirus measures , the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported .
“ I ’ m fed up !
If you want us to commit a crime and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kadyrov said , according to Novaya Gazeta ’ s transcript of his Instagram Live session .
“ Someone will take on this burden of responsibility and will be punished under the law , ” he was quoted as saying in an apparent threat .
“ He 'll spend time in prison and get out.
” Milashina was attacked in Chechnya earlier this year .
In 2017 , she broke the story of alleged gay purges in the conservative , predominantly Muslim region which made international headlines .
Kadyrov ’ s reaction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his Telegram channel , where he labeled Novaya Gazeta an “ anti-Russian newspaper whose corrupt journalists receive awards in the West and the United States.
” He accused the paper of abusing freedom of speech “ to label my people as hardened criminals , medieval heathens and stranglers of freedom with their myths.
” “ How long will this provocative and explosive anti-Chechen harassment brazenly and shamelessly organized by Novaya Gazeta continue ?
” he asked .
“ Why is the powerful stronghold of our sovereignty , the FSB , practically condoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Chechnya , which has imposed strict regionwide border controls during Russia ’ s coronavirus outbreak , reported 64 coronavirus cases and five deaths since the outbreak began .
Russia reported a total of 21,102 cases and 170 deaths as of Tuesday .

The story, authored by Novaya Gazeta journalist Yelena Milashina, cited quarantined Chechens as saying Sunday that they stopped reporting coronavirus symptoms for fear of being labeled “terrorists.” Kadyrov reportedly accused “that woman, if you can call her that,” of writing “nonsense.”
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has threatened an investigative journalist Monday for a “provocative” story on the Russian region’s strict anti-coronavirus measures, the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported .
“I’m fed up! If you want us to commit a crime and become criminals, then say so!” Kadyrov said, according to Novaya Gazeta’s transcript of his Instagram Live session.
“Someone will take on this burden of responsibility and will be punished under the law,” he was quoted as saying in an apparent threat. “He'll spend time in prison and get out.”
Milashina was attacked in Chechnya earlier this year. In 2017, she broke the story of alleged gay purges in the conservative, predominantly Muslim region which made international headlines.
Kadyrov’s reaction to Milashina’s report was more subdued on his Telegram channel, where he labeled Novaya Gazeta an “anti-Russian newspaper whose corrupt journalists receive awards in the West and the United States.”
He accused the paper of abusing freedom of speech “to label my people as hardened criminals, medieval heathens and stranglers of freedom with their myths.”
“How long will this provocative and explosive anti-Chechen harassment brazenly and shamelessly organized by Novaya Gazeta continue?” he asked. “Why is the powerful stronghold of our sovereignty, the FSB, practically condoning the activities of a foreign agent?”
Chechnya, which has imposed strict regionwide border controls during Russia’s coronavirus outbreak, reported 64 coronavirus cases and five deaths since the outbreak began. Russia reported a total of 21,102 cases and 170 deaths as of Tuesday.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--‘There Will Be Mass Starvation,’ Moscow Opposition Warns Mayor as Coronavirus Slams Economy

Moscow and its 12.7 million residents have been under lockdown since March 30 , with all nonessential businesses and activities suspended until at least May 1 .
Nationwide , the fallout from President Vladimir Putin ’ s paid “ non-working month ” could see unemployment numbers rise from 2.5 million to 8 million this year , the country ’ s Audit Chamber estimates .
A lack of aid for Moscow ’ s small and medium businesses hit by the coronavirus lockdown will lead to mass starvation and widespread protests , opposition lawmakers have reportedly warned Mayor Sergei Sobyanin .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming months may lead to mass starvation , ” the Communist Party — the Moscow City Duma ’ s second-largest faction — told Sobyanin in a letter , the Kommersant business daily reported Monday .
“ In the event of spontaneous unsanctioned protests attended by several thousand residents , all responsibility will fall on Moscow ’ s executive authority , ” party leader Nikolai Zubrilin reportedly warned Sobyanin .
Among other steps , the opposition reportedly demanded to hand each Muscovite 20,000 rubles ( $ 250 ) , pay all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city budget and suspend loan payments until Dec. 31 .
To finance these expenses , the Communists want to reduce spending on Moscow ’ s sprawling renovation program , metro construction and other non-essential municipal projects .
The Communist Party ’ s calls follow fellow opposition party Yabloko ’ s proposal to reroute 300 billion rubles ( $ 3.8 billion ) of the city ’ s infrastructure and entertainment budget toward aid for SMEs and employees on unpaid leave .
About one-third of Russian companies forced employees to take leave without pay from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-working period , according to a survey by the Center for Strategic Research , a think tank close to the government .
In an effort to support entrepreneurs , the government has rolled out tax cuts and offered deferred payments .
The Central Bank has released funds for banks so they can offer cheap loans to small businesses .
Lawmakers are due Tuesday to submit legislation to help small and medium-sized businesses , measures that critics say could already be too late for many businesses .
Nearly half of the 1,000 companies surveyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already reduced wages , 16 % announced redundancies and 9 % anticipated bankruptcy this year .
Sobyanin has warned that “ we ’ re nowhere near the peak ” of Moscow ’ s coronavirus outbreak as Russia has seen accelerated growth in new infections in recent days .
Moscow has become the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic within Russia , with 13,002 of the country ’ s 21,102 cases reported in the capital as of Tuesday .

Moscow and its 12.7 million residents have been under lockdown since March 30, with all nonessential businesses and activities suspended until at least May 1. Nationwide, the fallout from President Vladimir Putin’s paid “non-working month” could see unemployment numbers rise from 2.5 million to 8 million this year, the country’s Audit Chamber estimates.
A lack of aid for Moscow’s small and medium businesses hit by the coronavirus lockdown will lead to mass starvation and widespread protests, opposition lawmakers have reportedly warned Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
“Failure to take [support] measures in the coming months may lead to mass starvation,” the Communist Party — the Moscow City Duma’s second-largest faction — told Sobyanin in a letter, the Kommersant business daily reported Monday.
“In the event of spontaneous unsanctioned protests attended by several thousand residents, all responsibility will fall on Moscow’s executive authority,” party leader Nikolai Zubrilin reportedly warned Sobyanin.
Among other steps, the opposition reportedly demanded to hand each Muscovite 20,000 rubles ($250), pay all of their 2020 utility bills out of the city budget and suspend loan payments until Dec. 31. To finance these expenses, the Communists want to reduce spending on Moscow’s sprawling renovation program, metro construction and other non-essential municipal projects.
The Communist Party’s calls follow fellow opposition party Yabloko’s proposal to reroute 300 billion rubles ($3.8 billion) of the city’s infrastructure and entertainment budget toward aid for SMEs and employees on unpaid leave.
About one-third of Russian companies forced employees to take leave without pay from the first week of Putin’s non-working period, according to a survey by the Center for Strategic Research, a think tank close to the government.
In an effort to support entrepreneurs, the government has rolled out tax cuts and offered deferred payments. The Central Bank has released funds for banks so they can offer cheap loans to small businesses.
Lawmakers are due Tuesday to submit legislation to help small and medium-sized businesses, measures that critics say could already be too late for many businesses.
Nearly half of the 1,000 companies surveyed by the Center for Strategic Research have already reduced wages, 16% announced redundancies and 9% anticipated bankruptcy this year.
Sobyanin has warned that “we’re nowhere near the peak” of Moscow’s coronavirus outbreak as Russia has seen accelerated growth in new infections in recent days. Moscow has become the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic within Russia, with 13,002 of the country’s 21,102 cases reported in the capital as of Tuesday.
AFP contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Italians Offered Cash to Film ‘Thank You Russia’ Videos for Coronavirus Aid – Reports

Russian nationals in Italy are offering Italians money to film themselves thanking Russia and President Vladimir Putin for recent coronavirus aid , Italy ’ s La Repubblica newspaper reported Sunday .
Russia dispatched army medics in March to help disinfect hospitals and care facilities in a northern Italian region that has been hit hardest by the country 's coronavirus outbreak .
The aid was followed by allegations that most of the Russian supplies were useless and that some of Russia ’ s contingent included spies , which Moscow dismissed as “ Cold War fake news.
” According to La Repubblica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 218 ) via WhatsApp to post one thank-you video on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram intended for an unnamed Russian media outlet .
“ They need 15 Italians who say something good about Russian humanitarian aid , ” reads one of the WhatsApp messages , which were allegedly sent by Russians living and studying in Italy .
Text-based thank-you notes are said to pay less .
An unnamed Italian TikTok user who posted a short thank-you clip told La Repubblica that her friend got paid 20 euros for a similar video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue that the 200-euro video ‘ campaign ’ is part of some strategy [ ... ] but suspicion remains , ” the newspaper wrote .
Russia ’ s Embassy in Rome said it was unaware of any solicitations on social media and called La Repubblica ’ s report “ provocation by fraudsters.
” It said the embassy has received “ hundreds of calls ” from Italians sincerely thanking Russia for its coronavirus aid .
The report comes two weeks after BBC Russia reported that Italians who received wide coverage in Russian state media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian flag had either family or financial connections to Russia .
Critics have argued that Russia ’ s package of decontamination units and military medical staff sent to Italy , dubbed “ From Russia With Love , ” was an attempt at a publicity coup for Putin in the West .
Italy has been one of the world ’ s hardest-hit countries by Covid-19 , with almost 160,000 infections and nearly 20,500 deaths .
Russia has reported 21,102 cases and 170 deaths so far .

Russian nationals in Italy are offering Italians money to film themselves thanking Russia and President Vladimir Putin for recent coronavirus aid, Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper reported Sunday. Russia dispatched army medics in March to help disinfect hospitals and care facilities in a northern Italian region that has been hit hardest by the country's coronavirus outbreak. The aid was followed by allegations that most of the Russian supplies were useless and that some of Russia’s contingent included spies, which Moscow dismissed as “Cold War fake news.”
news Italy and Russia Spar Over Alleged Coronavirus Spies Read more
According to La Repubblica, potential recruits are offered 200 euros ($218) via WhatsApp to post one thank-you video on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram intended for an unnamed Russian media outlet. “They need 15 Italians who say something good about Russian humanitarian aid,” reads one of the WhatsApp messages, which were allegedly sent by Russians living and studying in Italy. Text-based thank-you notes are said to pay less. An unnamed Italian TikTok user who posted a short thank-you clip told La Repubblica that her friend got paid 20 euros for a similar video. “It’s premature to argue that the 200-euro video ‘campaign’ is part of some strategy [...] but suspicion remains,” the newspaper wrote.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-14--Coronavirus Hits Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater

The 34 infected Bolshoi staffers were asymptomatic but were banned from working on a star-studded live concert in an empty theater that aired on state television Saturday , Urin said .
He maintained that none of the “ several hundred ” people who were involved in organizing the Bolshoi ’ s “ My Vmeste ” ( “ We ’ re Together ” ) concert had tested positive .
Dozens of employees at Moscow ’ s famous Bolshoi Theater have tested positive for coronavirus and have been quarantined at home , the theater ’ s director Vladimir Urin said Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ theater ’ s personnel , including security guards and engineers , were tested for coronavirus two days before the concert , ” Urin said as quoted by the state-run TASS news agency .
“ Thirty-four people tested positive for coronavirus .
They didn ’ t have a fever or clear signs of illness , but they were all suspended from work and sent to quarantine , ” Urin said .
“ There ’ s no way that dozens of cases were identified at the concert itself.
” Urin previously estimated the Bolshoi Theater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at $ 114,000 per day and warned that the legendary theater is at risk of closing down if Moscow stays in lockdown until September .
Moscow has become the epicenter of Russia ’ s Covid-19 outbreak , with 11,513 out of the country ’ s 18,328 reported cases as of Monday .
More than 6,000 coronavirus patients with mild symptoms are receiving treatment at home in Moscow .
The city ’ s health department says it has carried out 315,000 coronavirus tests in two and a half months .

The 34 infected Bolshoi staffers were asymptomatic but were banned from working on a star-studded live concert in an empty theater that aired on state television Saturday, Urin said. He maintained that none of the “several hundred” people who were involved in organizing the Bolshoi’s “My Vmeste” (“We’re Together”) concert had tested positive.
Dozens of employees at Moscow’s famous Bolshoi Theater have tested positive for coronavirus and have been quarantined at home, the theater’s director Vladimir Urin said Monday.
“Without exception, all of the theater’s personnel, including security guards and engineers, were tested for coronavirus two days before the concert,” Urin said as quoted by the state-run TASS news agency.
“Thirty-four people tested positive for coronavirus. They didn’t have a fever or clear signs of illness, but they were all suspended from work and sent to quarantine,” Urin said. “There’s no way that dozens of cases were identified at the concert itself.”
Urin previously estimated the Bolshoi Theater’s daily losses from its closure at $114,000 per day and warned that the legendary theater is at risk of closing down if Moscow stays in lockdown until September.
Moscow has become the epicenter of Russia’s Covid-19 outbreak, with 11,513 out of the country’s 18,328 reported cases as of Monday.
More than 6,000 coronavirus patients with mild symptoms are receiving treatment at home in Moscow. The city’s health department says it has carried out 315,000 coronavirus tests in two and a half months.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--Russia’s Coronavirus Outbreak Is ‘Changing for the Worse,’ Putin Warns

Russia has reported 18,328 overall coronavirus cases and 148 total deaths , making it the world ’ s 15th most-affected country as of Monday .
Russia ’ s coronavirus outbreak is deteriorating and its new cases are getting more severe , President Vladimir Putin warned Monday as the country reported its highest day-to-day spike in infections to date .
“ We see that the situation is changing almost daily and , unfortunately , not for the better , ” Putin said at a video conference with health officials .
“ The number of people who are getting sick is increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he told three federal officials and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin , who is overseeing Russia ’ s coronavirus task force .
Moscow , with 11,513 confirmed cases , accounts for an overwhelming majority of Russia ’ s Covid-19 infections .
Sobyanin has warned that the outbreak was “ nowhere near ” its peak , while his deputy said that Moscow ’ s hospitals and ambulances were stretched to the limit .
Russian health officials estimate the daily growth rate of infections at around 17 % and say that other regions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers .
Putin said Monday that Russia could draw on its millitary capacity to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
“ What the Defense Ministry is using abroad is only a small fraction of what it has .
We need to keep in mind that its main reserves are still in reserve , ” he said .
Putin has previously dismissed fears of a coronavirus outbreak , saying the situation in Russia was `` under control . ''

Russia has reported 18,328 overall coronavirus cases and 148 total deaths, making it the world’s 15th most-affected country as of Monday.
Russia’s coronavirus outbreak is deteriorating and its new cases are getting more severe, President Vladimir Putin warned Monday as the country reported its highest day-to-day spike in infections to date.
“We see that the situation is changing almost daily and, unfortunately, not for the better,” Putin said at a video conference with health officials.
“The number of people who are getting sick is increasing, with more cases of severe illness,” he told three federal officials and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, who is overseeing Russia’s coronavirus task force.
Moscow, with 11,513 confirmed cases, accounts for an overwhelming majority of Russia’s Covid-19 infections.
Sobyanin has warned that the outbreak was “nowhere near” its peak, while his deputy said that Moscow’s hospitals and ambulances were stretched to the limit.
Russian health officials estimate the daily growth rate of infections at around 17% and say that other regions are around three weeks behind Moscow in case numbers.
Putin said Monday that Russia could draw on its millitary capacity to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
“What the Defense Ministry is using abroad is only a small fraction of what it has. We need to keep in mind that its main reserves are still in reserve,” he said.
Putin has previously dismissed fears of a coronavirus outbreak, saying the situation in Russia was "under control."


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--China Tightens Security at Russian Border, Fearing New Coronavirus Wave

A growing number of Chinese nationals have returned from Russia with the virus , threatening a second wave after the country where the pandemic originated has largely brought its domestic outbreak under control .
The estimated 250 coronavirus cases brought from Moscow and Vladivostok could point to the severity of Russia ’ s outbreak , where experts have questioned the reliability of testing .
China 's northernmost province has tightened its border controls to prevent new coronavirus infections from neighboring Russia , Bloomberg reported Monday .
The Heilongjiang province began 24/7 patrols of its border with five Russian regions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries agreed to close their main checkpoint for land transit .
It added that China has prepared for a new surge in Covid-19 patients by converting an office building near the border into a makeshift hospital and sending experts there .
Heilongjiang ’ s border city of Suifenhe and the region ’ s capital Harbin have mandated 28 days of quarantine as well as tests for all arrivals from abroad , according to Reuters .
It reported that Suifenhe imposed restrictions on movement and gatherings last week similar to those in central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic first emerged .
According to China ’ s state-run Xinhua news agency , authorities in Suifenhe are ordering Russian truck drivers to park their vehicles and “ live ” in specially designated areas .
Russia reported a total of 18,328 coronavirus cases Monday after a new one-day spike in infections , making it the world ’ s 15th most-affected country .
China ’ s 82,160 overall cases place it seventh in the world , with 98 of its 108 new cases reported Monday imported from abroad .
The Kremlin has declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than half of its new coronavirus infections originated in Russia .

A growing number of Chinese nationals have returned from Russia with the virus, threatening a second wave after the country where the pandemic originated has largely brought its domestic outbreak under control. The estimated 250 coronavirus cases brought from Moscow and Vladivostok could point to the severity of Russia’s outbreak, where experts have questioned the reliability of testing.
China's northernmost province has tightened its border controls to prevent new coronavirus infections from neighboring Russia, Bloomberg reported Monday.
The Heilongjiang province began 24/7 patrols of its border with five Russian regions, Bloomberg reported, a week after the countries agreed to close their main checkpoint for land transit.
It added that China has prepared for a new surge in Covid-19 patients by converting an office building near the border into a makeshift hospital and sending experts there.
Heilongjiang’s border city of Suifenhe and the region’s capital Harbin have mandated 28 days of quarantine as well as tests for all arrivals from abroad, according to Reuters. It reported that Suifenhe imposed restrictions on movement and gatherings last week similar to those in central China’s Wuhan, where the Covid-19 pandemic first emerged.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, authorities in Suifenhe are ordering Russian truck drivers to park their vehicles and “live” in specially designated areas.
Russia reported a total of 18,328 coronavirus cases Monday after a new one-day spike in infections, making it the world’s 15th most-affected country. China’s 82,160 overall cases place it seventh in the world, with 98 of its 108 new cases reported Monday imported from abroad.
The Kremlin has declined to comment on China’s report that more than half of its new coronavirus infections originated in Russia.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--Are Tatarstan’s Coronavirus Digital Passes Working?

Alisa Yereminva , age 21 , readies food to bring to her elderly relatives .
For the past two weeks , to do this Yeremina first has to ask permission and then wait for approval by text message .
While Moscow was considering the use of digital passes to enforce coronavirus lockdown measures , the entire 3.8 million population of Russia 's republic of Tatarstan has been living under this tougher regime since March 31 .
First , everyone had to upload their personal and passport information either online or by phone to register in the system .
Then they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nine acceptable tasks : attend a court hearing , bring a child to daycare , visit a hospital or veterinary clinic , go to a funeral , replace a passport , go to a country house , visit a bank or post office , bring food or medicines to elderly relatives or move to a new address .
Walking to the nearest pharmacy or food market can be done without permission .
“ I input number 8 — bring food and medicines to elderly relatives .
In a minute I get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trip .
And once I ’ m ready to come back home , I repeat the process , ” Yeremina told The Moscow Times .
More than 630,000 residents of Tatarstan have registered on the service .
Each day a person can receive two passes , most for an hour each .
After complaints , the authorities now allow two hours to go out to a dacha and six hours to move one 's residence .
Sometimes permissions are delayed , but Liliya Galimova , press secretary to the head of Tatarstan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the first days the site was overloaded , but now complaints to the hotline are down by 50 % .
” Before these measures were instituted , the republic had the same restrictions as Moscow .
Marina Patyashina , head of Tatarstan 's consumer protection agency , says they weren ’ t sufficient .
“ Each asymptomatic person infects one other person .
People with symptoms infect at least three people .
That ’ s why these restrictive measures are so important , to keep people healthy , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ council of ministers , Leyla Fazleyeva , head of the hygiene and anti-epidemic commission , stated that the restrictions would last “ until the epidemiological situation stabilizes .
”

Alisa Yereminva, age 21, readies food to bring to her elderly relatives. For the past two weeks, to do this Yeremina first has to ask permission and then wait for approval by text message.
While Moscow was considering the use of digital passes to enforce coronavirus lockdown measures, the entire 3.8 million population of Russia's republic of Tatarstan has been living under this tougher regime since March 31.
First, everyone had to upload their personal and passport information either online or by phone to register in the system. Then they need to ask permission to do one of nine acceptable tasks: attend a court hearing, bring a child to daycare, visit a hospital or veterinary clinic, go to a funeral, replace a passport, go to a country house, visit a bank or post office, bring food or medicines to elderly relatives or move to a new address. Walking to the nearest pharmacy or food market can be done without permission.
“I input number 8 — bring food and medicines to elderly relatives. In a minute I get a message that I have an hour for the trip. And once I’m ready to come back home, I repeat the process,” Yeremina told The Moscow Times.
More than 630,000 residents of Tatarstan have registered on the service. Each day a person can receive two passes, most for an hour each. After complaints, the authorities now allow two hours to go out to a dacha and six hours to move one's residence.
Sometimes permissions are delayed, but Liliya Galimova, press secretary to the head of Tatarstan, told The Moscow Times that “In the first days the site was overloaded, but now complaints to the hotline are down by 50%.”
Before these measures were instituted, the republic had the same restrictions as Moscow. Marina Patyashina, head of Tatarstan's consumer protection agency, says they weren’t sufficient. “Each asymptomatic person infects one other person. People with symptoms infect at least three people. That’s why these restrictive measures are so important, to keep people healthy,” she said.
During the weekly online briefing of the council of ministers, Leyla Fazleyeva, head of the hygiene and anti-epidemic commission, stated that the restrictions would last “until the epidemiological situation stabilizes.”


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--Leading Russian Paper’s New Editor Deletes Column Criticizing Rosneft Head

The move is acting editor-in-chief Andrei Shmarov ’ s second decision to alter or delete an article related to Rosneft since Vedomosti 's new owners announced the reshuffle on March 23 .
After changing a headline on Russia ’ s majority stake in Rosneft on March 30 , Shmarov deleted a column Sunday that criticizes Sechin for “ senseless ” spending to prop up sanctions-hit Venezuela .
The chief editor of Russia ’ s leading business newspaper Vedomosti has deleted a column critical of Igor Sechin , the head of the state-controlled oil giant Rosneft , three weeks after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tried to dissuade Shmarov , but he said it was his decision as editor-in-chief , ” Maxim Tovkaylo , the head editor of Vedomosti ’ s website , told The Bell business outlet .
Deputy chief editor Alexander Gubsky wrote that he had restored access to the column , which has since been deleted a second time and remains inaccessible as of Monday afternoon .
“ Shmarov personally removed the column , ” wrote its author Konstantin Sonin , a professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow .
Shmarov allegedly told staff that Sonin ’ s column could result in legal liability and that the decision to delete it came after a phone call from Rosneft spokesman Mikhail Leontiyev , the Open Media news website cited an unnamed Vedomosti employee as saying .
Leontiyev said “ it ’ s absurd ” to seek comment from him .
Shmarov declined to comment on the story to multiple publications .
The Bell previously linked Shmarov ’ s hiring to the Rosneft spokesman .
Shmarov ’ s hiring as acting editor-in-chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranks and further upset Russia ’ s heavily regulated media landscape .
Five deputy editors appealed to Vedomosti ’ s new owners to appoint a different chief editor on March 31 .
The announcement of the independent newspaper ’ s sale to publisher Konstantin Zyatkov and businessman Alexei Golubovich late last month similarly drew concern among the paper ’ s staffers , with former editor-in-chief Tatiana Lysova describing the two buyers as “ alien to Vedomosti ’ s rules and ideals.
” Shmarov previously founded the Kremlin-linked Expert magazine and served as CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Project 42 educational portal .
Sechin , 59 , has worked with President Vladimir Putin since the 1990s .
He was deputy head of the presidential administration from 1999 until 2008 , when he was appointed deputy prime minister .
“ I think this decision [ to delete the Sechin column ] will lead to a mass exodus of subscribers , which will affect the newspaper ’ s financial performance , ” Tovkaylo was quoted as saying .
“ I ’ ve warned Shmarov about this , ” the Vedomosti.ru editor-in-chief @ @ @ @

The move is acting editor-in-chief Andrei Shmarov’s second decision to alter or delete an article related to Rosneft since Vedomosti's new owners announced the reshuffle on March 23. After changing a headline on Russia’s majority stake in Rosneft on March 30, Shmarov deleted a column Sunday that criticizes Sechin for “senseless” spending to prop up sanctions-hit Venezuela.
The chief editor of Russia’s leading business newspaper Vedomosti has deleted a column critical of Igor Sechin, the head of the state-controlled oil giant Rosneft, three weeks after his controversial hiring at the outlet.
“I tried to dissuade Shmarov, but he said it was his decision as editor-in-chief,” Maxim Tovkaylo, the head editor of Vedomosti’s website, told The Bell business outlet.
Deputy chief editor Alexander Gubsky wrote that he had restored access to the column, which has since been deleted a second time and remains inaccessible as of Monday afternoon.
“Shmarov personally removed the column,” wrote its author Konstantin Sonin, a professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Studies and at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.
Shmarov allegedly told staff that Sonin’s column could result in legal liability and that the decision to delete it came after a phone call from Rosneft spokesman Mikhail Leontiyev, the Open Media news website cited an unnamed Vedomosti employee as saying.
Leontiyev said “it’s absurd” to seek comment from him. Shmarov declined to comment on the story to multiple publications.
The Bell previously linked Shmarov’s hiring to the Rosneft spokesman.
Shmarov’s hiring as acting editor-in-chief has sparked backlash within Vedomosti’s ranks and further upset Russia’s heavily regulated media landscape. Five deputy editors appealed to Vedomosti’s new owners to appoint a different chief editor on March 31.
The announcement of the independent newspaper’s sale to publisher Konstantin Zyatkov and businessman Alexei Golubovich late last month similarly drew concern among the paper’s staffers, with former editor-in-chief Tatiana Lysova describing the two buyers as “alien to Vedomosti’s rules and ideals.”
Shmarov previously founded the Kremlin-linked Expert magazine and served as CEO of the Snob news website and editor-in-chief of the Project 42 educational portal.
Sechin, 59, has worked with President Vladimir Putin since the 1990s. He was deputy head of the presidential administration from 1999 until 2008, when he was appointed deputy prime minister.
“I think this decision [to delete the Sechin column] will lead to a mass exodus of subscribers, which will affect the newspaper’s financial performance,” Tovkaylo was quoted as saying.
“I’ve warned Shmarov about this,” the Vedomosti.ru editor-in-chief told The Bell.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--Russian Nursing Home Faces Coronavirus Outbreak With 86 Suspected Cases

The staffer at the nursing home in the Smolensk region town of Vyazma had gone to work without symptoms as recently as April 6 , Deputy Governor Polina Khomaiko said .
After this worker tested positive for coronavirus , 306 residents and staffers were tested , 86 of whom tested positive on their preliminary test .
Nearly 90 residents at a nursing home in western Russia are suspected to have contracted the coronavirus after one of its employees contracted the fast-spreading virus , regional officials said at an emergency meeting Sunday .
The nursing home has isolated these 86 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative , Khomaiko said .
“ Some of the employees [ who tested positive ] are self-isolating at home and specialists have gone to their houses to carry out tests , ” she said .
People over the age of 65 are considered among the most at-risk groups to becoming severely ill from the coronavirus .
During the meeting , Russia ’ s chief infectious disease specialist Yelena Malinnikova said that both the infected staffer and the 86 staffers and residents suspected of having the virus are in “ stable ” condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Alexei Ostrovsky ordered Khomaiko to work to increase the number of hospital beds with oxygen support at the local hospital .
According to Khomaiko , the hospital has 28 beds and six ventilators available for coronavirus patients .
Ostrovsky also ordered the town of Vyazma , population 52,000 , to close all entry points to non-residents until at least May 1 .
Residents entering the town will be required to have their temperature taken at the entry points .
Doctors and Emergency Situations Ministry workers will still be allowed to enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official data , the Smolensk region has registered 21 cases of coronavirus and one death .
Nationwide , Russia has reported 18,328 infections and 148 deaths .

The staffer at the nursing home in the Smolensk region town of Vyazma had gone to work without symptoms as recently as April 6, Deputy Governor Polina Khomaiko said. After this worker tested positive for coronavirus, 306 residents and staffers were tested, 86 of whom tested positive on their preliminary test.
Nearly 90 residents at a nursing home in western Russia are suspected to have contracted the coronavirus after one of its employees contracted the fast-spreading virus, regional officials said at an emergency meeting Sunday.
The nursing home has isolated these 86 people in separate living quarters from those who tested negative, Khomaiko said.
“Some of the employees [who tested positive] are self-isolating at home and specialists have gone to their houses to carry out tests,” she said.
People over the age of 65 are considered among the most at-risk groups to becoming severely ill from the coronavirus.
During the meeting, Russia’s chief infectious disease specialist Yelena Malinnikova said that both the infected staffer and the 86 staffers and residents suspected of having the virus are in “stable” condition.
Following the news, Smolensk region Governor Alexei Ostrovsky ordered Khomaiko to work to increase the number of hospital beds with oxygen support at the local hospital. According to Khomaiko, the hospital has 28 beds and six ventilators available for coronavirus patients.
Ostrovsky also ordered the town of Vyazma, population 52,000, to close all entry points to non-residents until at least May 1. Residents entering the town will be required to have their temperature taken at the entry points. Doctors and Emergency Situations Ministry workers will still be allowed to enter the town, he said.
According to official data, the Smolensk region has registered 21 cases of coronavirus and one death. Nationwide, Russia has reported 18,328 infections and 148 deaths.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--Russia Celebrates Orthodox Palm Sunday Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Thousands of Russian Orthodox Church parishioners across the country celebrated Orthodox Palm Sunday on April 12 as Russia saw record @ @ @ @ @ .
Officially , the Church has urged its 164 million worshippers to pray at home @ @ @ @ @ many offering live-streamed liturgies online .
However , the Church has refused to close its @ @ @ @ @ recommendations to do so .
In a move to prevent the spread of coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ been ordered to restrict visits during the Holy Week of April 13-19 .
Orthodox Easter @ @ @ @ @ this year , is the most important holiday for the Church .
During yesterday ’ @ @ @ @ @ showed some Russian churches following recommended social distancing guidelines — and others allowing worshippers to @ @ @ @ @ usual .
Here ’ s a look at the events :

Russia Celebrates Orthodox Palm Sunday Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Thousands of Russian Orthodox Church parishioners across the country celebrated Orthodox Palm Sunday on April 12 as Russia saw record numbers of new coronavirus infections.
Officially, the Church has urged its 164 million worshippers to pray at home during the pandemic, with many offering live-streamed liturgies online. However, the Church has refused to close its doors despite Russian officials’ recommendations to do so.
In a move to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Moscow’s churches have been ordered to restrict visits during the Holy Week of April 13-19. Orthodox Easter, celebrated on April 19 this year, is the most important holiday for the Church.
During yesterday’s holiday worship, footage showed some Russian churches following recommended social distancing guidelines — and others allowing worshippers to congregate in close quarters as usual.
Here’s a look at the events:


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--How Do Moscow’s Coronavirus Lockdown Passes Work?

Moscow is tightening its lockdown with digital passes this week as the Russian capital ’ s coronavirus count surpassed 10,000 cases and officials warned of a continued influx of patients .
Here ’ s an overview of what the citywide pass system means for Muscovites ’ everyday life : When does it start ?
— Digital passes will become mandatory this Wednesday but can be obtained as soon as Monday .
Who does it apply to ?
— Those who need to leave their homes for medical emergencies ( their passes are valid for one day only ) .
— @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other reasons ( their passes are valid for one day and can not be obtained more than twice a week ) .
— Essential workers ( their passes are valid until the system is scheduled to end on April 30 ) .
Who is exempt from the pass system ?
Where do I get a digital pass ?
— Those who will need to leave their homes this week can apply for permits by sending a text message to number 7377 or applying on Moscow City Hall ’ s special website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday morning . )
— The passes can be printed out or saved on one ’ s phone .
People without a printer or a cellphone can also write their pass code on a sheet of paper .
Where do the digital passes apply ?
— Private and public transport , including metros , buses , rail links and taxis .
( Moscow ’ s IT chief Eduard Lysenko said taxi services will be able to check their clients ’ passes online . )
— Pedestrians don ’ t need passes for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the house to go to the nearest grocery store , take out the garbage or walk their dogs within a 100-meter radius of their residence .
What happens to people who violate the lockdown orders ?
— Under a decree signed by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin earlier this month , those who violate lockdown orders will face fines between 4,000 rubles ( $ 50 ) and 5,000 rubles ( $ 63 ) .
Authorities can also impound violators ’ cars .
— On Monday , Lysenko said those who do n't use digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 1,000 rubles ( $ 14 ) and 40,000 rubles ( $ 540 ) .
What information am I required to share with the pass system ?
— Your first and last name , passport number , phone number and an employer ’ s tax identification number where applicable .
Do I need to carry anything else besides the pass ?
Who will check the passes ?
— Police and traffic police .
National Guard officers can run ID checks but can not issue fines , according to city councilman Kirill Shchitov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sobyanin said that all personal data will be deleted when the permit system is lifted .
When will it end ?
— Sobyanin said that the pass system will remain in force until April 30 .

Moscow is tightening its lockdown with digital passes this week as the Russian capital’s coronavirus count surpassed 10,000 cases and officials warned of a continued influx of patients.
Here’s an overview of what the citywide pass system means for Muscovites’ everyday life:
When does it start?
— Digital passes will become mandatory this Wednesday but can be obtained as soon as Monday.
Who does it apply to?
— Those who need to leave their homes for medical emergencies (their passes are valid for one day only).
— Those who need to leave their homes for other reasons (their passes are valid for one day and cannot be obtained more than twice a week).
— Essential workers (their passes are valid until the system is scheduled to end on April 30).
Who is exempt from the pass system?
— Public officials, troops, security guards, judges, lawyers, public notaries and journalists.
Where do I get a digital pass?
— Those who will need to leave their homes this week can apply for permits by sending a text message to number 7377 or applying on Moscow City Hall’s special website. (The website was inaccessible as of Monday morning.)
— The passes can be printed out or saved on one’s phone. People without a printer or a cellphone can also write their pass code on a sheet of paper.
Where do the digital passes apply?
— Private and public transport, including metros, buses, rail links and taxis. (Moscow’s IT chief Eduard Lysenko said taxi services will be able to check their clients’ passes online.)
— Pedestrians don’t need passes for now, as long as they’re leaving the house to go to the nearest grocery store, take out the garbage or walk their dogs within a 100-meter radius of their residence.
What happens to people who violate the lockdown orders?
— Under a decree signed by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin earlier this month, those who violate lockdown orders will face fines between 4,000 rubles ($50) and 5,000 rubles ($63). Authorities can also impound violators’ cars.
— On Monday, Lysenko said those who don't use digital passes when required will face fines ranging from 1,000 rubles ($14) and 40,000 rubles ($540).
What information am I required to share with the pass system?
— Your first and last name, passport number, phone number and an employer’s tax identification number where applicable.
Do I need to carry anything else besides the pass?
— Your passport.
Who will check the passes?
— Police and traffic police. National Guard officers can run ID checks but cannot issue fines, according to city councilman Kirill Shchitov.
What happens to my data?
— Sobyanin said that all personal data will be deleted when the permit system is lifted.
When will it end?
— Sobyanin said that the pass system will remain in force until April 30.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-13--News From Russia: What You Missed Over the Weekend

Moscow traffic police have been deployed at all city entry points to control movement and ask drivers why they ’ @ @ @ @ @ during its coronavirus lockdown , according to state media .
Vehicles with license plates from @ @ @ @ @ at the Moscow Ring Road , a motorway known as MKAD that forms the de @ @ @ @ @ , other outlets noted .
Moscow introduced a system of digital passes for movement around @ @ @ @ @ .
President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the new OPEC+ oil deal @ @ @ @ @ cut in oil production to boost plummeting prices .
The two leaders agreed on the @ @ @ @ @ agreement in the 'OPEC+ ' format during a phone conversation , said a statement from @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Saudi Arabia 's King Salman also held a joint phone call , the @ @ @ @ @ was found dead Saturday after a riot and a blaze swept through a Russian prison @ @ @ @ @ eastern Siberia , authorities said .

Moscow traffic police have been deployed at all city entry points to control movement and ask drivers why they’re entering the Russian capital during its coronavirus lockdown, according to state media.
Vehicles with license plates from outside Moscow are turned away at the Moscow Ring Road, a motorway known as MKAD that forms the de facto border around the city, other outlets noted.
Moscow introduced a system of digital passes for movement around the city starting this week.
‘Historic’ cut
President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the new OPEC+ oil deal Sunday which agreed a historic cut in oil production to boost plummeting prices.
The two leaders agreed on the "great importance of an agreement in the 'OPEC+' format during a phone conversation, said a statement from the Kremlin. Putin, Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman also held a joint phone call, the statement added.
Prison riot
An inmate was found dead Saturday after a riot and a blaze swept through a Russian prison under a coronavirus lockdown in eastern Siberia, authorities said.


themoscowtimes--2020-04-12--Putin, Trump Hail OPEC+ Oil Deal: Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the new OPEC+ oil deal Sunday , which agreed a @ @ @ @ @ to boost plummeting prices .
The two leaders agreed on the `` great importance of @ @ @ @ @ ' format during a phone conversation , said a statement from the Kremlin .
Putin @ @ @ @ @ 's King Salman also held a joint phone call , the statement added .

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the new OPEC+ oil deal Sunday, which agreed a historic cut in oil production to boost plummeting prices.
The two leaders agreed on the "great importance of an agreement in the 'OPEC+' format during a phone conversation, said a statement from the Kremlin. Putin, Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman also held a joint phone call, the statement added.