Russia’s pandemic policy
Measures and results
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
In Russia, stricter measures were taken during the first half of 2020 to stem the spread of the coronavirus than in many other countries. However, in the second half of 2020 and in the spring of 2021, they were largely rescinded. Even so, the pandemic policy appeared to have been a success: the state budget was not badly affected, and domestic production declined to a lesser extent than in other countries, since business activity was not significantly restricted. The country boasts of its favourable position in the global ranking list of infections and deaths reported to the WHO. However, this official data does not reflect reality. The death rate, which increased considerably in 2020 compared to 2019, indicates that the real number of Covid-19 deaths and infections is six times higher in 2020, and three times higher during the first quarter of 2021.
(Osteuropa 3/2021, pp. 51–69)