Russia Not Immune to Coronavirus Pandemic - Cases Escalating

The numbers of those tested so far are minuscule, but among those tested, the danger is growing sharply just over several days. Russian health officials on Saturday reported 228 new cases of coronavirus overnight, bringing the total to 1,264, with four deaths attributed to the illness.

Vladimir Putin is very much like President Trump in denial over the danger of the coronavirus epidemic. Just two weeks ago, the Russian dictator was gloating over how few infections his country was dealing with. Putin even failed to commit to any drastic measures during a national address this week. He was instead ordered a week of paid holiday from March 28 and promising benefits to getting companies and individuals through the crisis.

Like Trump, the pandemic will not bend to Putin’s will. The epidemic is accelerating, and the Russian government is putting in place increasingly harsh restrictions of movements around the country. The mayor of Moscow shut all non-essential business yesterday and is recommending the city’s citizens to shelter in place to reduce the spread of the virus.

On Friday, the national government halted all international flights by order of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who has now called most of the country’s regions to close none essential businesses, while stopping short of issuing an order.

A city north of Moscow with a population of 300,000 named Cherepovets has already decided to declare a state of emergency after seven new cases were diagnosed in the last 24 hours.

On Friday, the Kremlin amid reports that some Russians planned to travel to the country’s vacation spots or visit relatives ordered all Russian parks and resorts to shut down.

Interfax is reporting the Russian government is considering a temporary halt of domestic flights and trains. Health experts familiar with Russia’s medical system and economic condition are warning that if Russia becomes an epicenter for the pandemic, its economy could literally collapse as it did following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It just doesn’t have the infrastructure to care for millions of coronavirus infected. Oil revenues represent the vast majority of the country’s revenues, and it has collapsed in price and may yet fall to as low as $10 a barrel.  

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