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The Russian government has blamed an increase in COVID-19 cases on Russians’ reluctance to get vaccinated. It comes amid concerns about a new Delta variant of the coronavirus following a reported record of more than 9,000 infections in Moscow, mostly with the new strain.
By Stefan J. Bos
The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin is closely monitoring the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus, as thousands of Russians were already infected with what is known as the Delta variant, which was first found in India.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed the mutations on people’s unwillingness to get vaccinated with Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. “Total nihilism, the low level of vaccination was at the origin of the surge. We must not forget the cunning of the vaccine itself,” he complained.
The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, shares these concerns. He extended the restrictions he imposed this month, including closing the fan zones set up for the European Football Championship. Events of more than 1,000 people are prohibited and there is also a restaurant closing time at 11 pm.
It is now also mandatory for people working in the public sector such as retail, education, health care and public transport to be vaccinated. The mayor of Moscow has warned that the situation in the capital, home to 13 million people, is rapidly deteriorating.
Despite these concerns, most Russians do not line up for the vaccine. Authorities say only 19.7 million people have received at least the first dose of the vaccine. At one-seventh of the population, this is much less than in most Western countries.
Great Britain concerned
The situation in Russia is being followed closely in other European countries like Great Britain, which is also facing the new Delta variant of the coronavirus.
He wants to prevent a third wave of serious coronavirus, because authorities have already reported some 127,000 coronavirus deaths in a population of 66 million since the start of the epidemic.
With the spread of the delta variant, Britain extended the restrictions. However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson publicly says he believes vaccines will have an impact. “We have now done, I think 80% of adults in this country have had their first jab. And now we are asking 18 year olds to come forward. So we are making huge, huge progress,” he said. He underlines.
Back in Russia, well-connected officials and members of the wealthy business elite have already secured the third and fourth doses of the Russian vaccine against the Sputnik V coronavirus.
The question of how long a vaccine provides protection against COVID-19 will be vital as countries assess when or if revaccination will be necessary. Russian discoveries will be closely watched in Europe and beyond.
Officially, Russia has reported around 129,000 coronavirus-related deaths out of a population of around 142 million.
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