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  A Surveillance Camera in an Underground Passage in Moscow

  This image is an example of the many surveillance cameras placed throughout Moscow to enforce quarantine restrictions.
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  COVID-19 Treatment

  Coronavirus patients receive intensive care at a hospital in Russia.
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  Fresh Data Shows Russian Economy Suffering Broad Slowdown

  New data suggests that the Russian economy is contracting, particularly its manufacturing and service sectors. Economic slowdown, though an expected consequence of the pandemic, has the potential to wreak long-term havoc on the economy if the government doesn't provide adequate stimulus measures.
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  Russia Records 3.6% GDP Fall in Third Quarter

  Russia's GDP declined 3.6% in the third quarter, a major improvement from the 8% drop in the second quarter. Analysts believe this is due in part to the lifting of coronavirus-related restrictions. If this trend continues, Russia's official estimates of a 3.8% GDP contraction for the year may be validated. However, if the second wave of the pandemic worsens, then official predictions–and plans– may be overturned.
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  Russia’s Ingushetia Region on Brink of Bankruptcy

  The North Caucasus region of Ingushetia now has a "red" rating from the Finance Ministry, which means Moscow may take direct control over its debt management. Ingeshutia is approaching bankruptcy, with a debt of over 125% of its annual income. It was already one of the most subsidized regions in Russia, receiving over 80% of its annual budget from the central government. More regions are expected to approach bankruptcy in the near future as the pandemic drags on, but the Russian government remains reticent to stimulate the economy with its cash reserves stored in the National Wealth Fund. It is believed that these reserves are being saved to prepare for a Biden presidency which promises to be tough on Russia, both economically and politically.
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  Russians Sickened by Virus Surge Feel Lucky To Be in Well-Off Moscow

  In comparison to the rest of Russia's underfunded and poorly staffed hospitals, the affluent Moscow is faring much better in response to the new surge of coronavirus cases. This difference reveals the problematic wealth disparity between Moscow and the rest of Russia.
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  Russian Regions Face Looming Debt Crisis

  The pandemic has exacerbated Russia's regional debt crises, forcing the national government to provide significant additional funding. Even in a normal year, Russia's regional governments struggle to balance the books, as their only revenue comes from personal income and corporate taxes. The national government is able to generate revenue from state-adjacent oil and gas companies, but regions must make up budget shortfalls by borrowing and receiving federal transfers. Though regional economies improved during the summer, the impending second wave of the coronavirus threatens to hit even harder than the first did, which will create a significant economic impact especially for less well-connected regions and those dependent on oil and gas prices. This raises questions for the recovery of the Russian economy, which the government has so far been positive about.
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  Up To 40% of Russia’s Coronavirus Test Results Could Be False Negatives

  Poor methodology has been discovered to be giving false negative results for 30-40% of coronavirus testing. These incorrect results could lead to a greater spread of infection from those who falsely tested negative.
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  Ashes to ashes Crematorium records suggest that COVID-19 deaths in St. Petersburg were twice was officials reported

  Crematorium records in St. Petersburg reveal that the city has been underreporting deaths due to coronavirus, thus reinforcing suspicions that Russian state officials have been underreporting the full extent of the pandemic.
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  Half of Russian doctors surveyed report a drop in earnings during the pandemic

  A recent survey has shown that half of Russian doctors have experienced decreased incomes during the pandemic. 6% earned more but with a disproportionate increase in workload. Just 12% earned significantly more. This data comes after the Russian government released stimulus packages that included hazard pay for medical workers. However, many medical workers reported receiving less than expected or no hazard pay. This aligns with the trend of the Kremlin prioritizing economic support for large state-adjacent firms and offering little to no support for average citizens in the form of direct pay or small business.
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  ‘How do you feel?’ A ‘Meduza’ special correspondent continues cataloging her experience as a volunteer in Russia’s coronavirus vaccine trials

  a volunteer in Moscow's coronavirus vaccine trials records her impressions of the process and her body's reactions.
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  To hell with the Labor Code –Moscow is requiring employers to collect and share employee personal data illegally and shift 30 percent of all staff to remote work, no matter the industry

  In response to a resurgence of COVID-19 within the city, Moscow officials have imposed a spate of new regulations, including requiring restaurants to move 30% of their employees to remote work. The article tracks the unclear boundaries and uneven enforcement of this new regulation, which stands to impact small business and the direct service industry the most.
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  School’s out for quarantine Thousands are falling ill at Russian schools despite strict guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic

  Due to a second wave of coronavirus, schools in Moscow, Sakhalin, and the Ulyanovsk Region have started traditional mid-autumn breaks earlier, and it is unclear whether schools will open again after the break.
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  We don’t know how to treat this–Doctors and patients in Russia are fighting for coronavirus drugs that hardly help anyone

  This article details the struggles of Russian citizens and hospitals in procuring COVID-19 treatments during the spring of 2020. As a second wave of COVID-19 appears on the horizon, these struggles implicate issues to be aware of in planning for and projecting the severity of the wave.
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  Russia Ignores Requests to Share Controversial Coronavirus Vaccine Data

  Russia refuses to share requested data behind coronavirus trial results for the medical journal The Lancet, which leads scientists worldwide to question the published results of Russia's vaccine, Sputnik V.
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  ‘Nobody wants to kill business’ Moscow is experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases, but there’s no lockdown in sight

  Moscow is experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases and has responded by increasing hospital capacity and implementing new stay-at-home restrictions. However, the city will not consider closing businesses at this time, which might extend the severity of the spike.
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  Moscow Recommends Coronavirus Self-Isolation for Pregnant Women

  Moscow’s health department has expanded its list of people that are required to stay home and self-isolate as the number of new daily coronavirus cases has risen in Russia. Now, this list includes pregnant women and women who have recently given birth because they are at a higher risk of suffering from severe cases of COVID-19. While this recommendation is founded on good intentions, the Russian government and healthcare system need to take more concrete action in resolving other issues directly affecting women's health and safety.
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  Russia’s new draft budget doesn’t include the expected cuts to government spending — why is that?

  This article discusses why Russia's new draft budget, meant to cover the next three years, does not include spending cuts. Russia, like most other countries, spent heavily during the coronavirus pandemic, creating a significant budget deficit. Yet the new budget, devoid of expected cuts that would've closed the deficit, presents an optimistic outlook on the Russian economy's recovery.