Russia: Highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases on November 22 /update 50

Event

The Russian Ministry of Health announced a record daily rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on Monday, November 23, with 25,173 new infections reported in the previous 24 hour period, the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. The latest cases bring the total number of infections in the country to 2,096,749. A total of 36,192 people have died as a result of the virus, with 361 additional deaths being recorded on Monday. Russia has the fifth-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, behind the US, India, Brazil, and France.

Restrictions on the opening times of clubs, bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues in Moscow remain in place until January 15. These businesses must close between 23:00 and 06:00 (local time). Colleges and universities in the capital have also been required to return to online teaching.

The mandatory use of face masks in some public areas remains in place. People are required to wear face masks in parking structures, lifts, and taxis, as well as on public transport.

Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.