Russia extends ban on mass gathering

Russia has once again extended the ban the put on mass gathering in schools and clubs till January 1, 2022.

Recall that the ban on mass gatherings at Russian schools was first put in place in June to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and was set to expire on Jan. 1, 2021.

A new decree that published on Monday, Dec 7, and was signed by Russia’s chief sanitary doctor, Anna Popova, extends the ban and now also applies to sports organizations and other social infrastructure for children and youth.

Universities and colleges are exempt from the ban.

Russia’s coronavirus response headquarters said Tuesday, Dec 8, it had confirmed 26,097 new cases of COVID-19 as well as 562 deaths from the disease in the past 24 hours. The country’s cumulative total currently stands at 2,515,009 confirmed cases with 44,159 deaths.

Despite the growing number of infections and deaths, Russian authorities have repeatedly said they have no plans to impose another nationwide lockdown.