Moscow orders all over-65s to stay at home… then adds the rules do NOT apply to Vladimir Putin, 67
- Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the elderly ‘must comply with an at-home regimen’
- The measures would not affect Vladimir Putin because he ‘works where he lives’
- Coronavirus has infected 438 people in Russia alone, predominately in Moscow
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
The mayor of Moscow has ordered over-65s to either stay at home or escape to their country houses to avoid coronavirus.
But the measures – announced by mayor Sergei Sobyanin on his website – would not affect 67-year-old Russian President Vladimir Putin because he ‘works where he lives’.
Mayor Sobyanin said the elderly ‘must comply with an at-home regimen’ between March 26 and April 14 to protect them from the bug which has infected 438 people, mostly in Moscow.
The mayor of Moscow has ordered over-65s to either stay at home or escape to their country houses to avoid coronavirus. Pictured: People wear masks in Red Square, Moscow
The mayor, who has been tasked with heading Russia’s overall coronavirus response, said: ‘You may not like it and even oppose it, but trust me, it is dictated by sincere concern for you.’
The measures would not affect 67-year-old Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) because he ‘works where he lives’
The country has gradually tightened restrictions, halting cultural and sports events, switching schools to distance learning and closing fitness clubs.
It has also closed borders to almost all non-citizens.
However, unlike many countries in Asia and Europe, the national government has not ordered any confinement.
‘You can go to the shop or the pharmacy only when you need to,’ Sobyanin said, listing a number to call if help is needed.
‘The best thing to do, if you can, is to go to your dacha, especially since the weather promises to be warm.’
Many big-city residents in Russia have country homes known as dachas, usually simple cottages with gardens on small plots of land, where they go at weekends and in summer.
Sobyanin did not say whether non-compliant pensioners would be punished.
But those in the age group complying with the rules will be compensated with a total of 4,000 rubles (£43), he said.
Coronavirus has infected 438 people, mostly in Moscow. Pictured: A woman wears a face mask in Vnukovo International Airport
He also advised young people to ‘avoid personal communication with older people’ to prevent infection from spreading and help their older neighbours who live alone.
The measures would not affect 67-year-old President Vladimir Putin because he ‘works where he lives’, his spokesman said, adding that the Kremlin is asking everyone involved in his meetings get tested beforehand.
One person who was infected with the virus in Russia has died but officials are not linking the death to the virus.