Peskov urged not to treat the cold season “like snow in December”

An increase in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections occurs every winter, this is not a surprise, said presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov. According to him, this will not affect the presidential elections scheduled for March 15-17. The Kremlin also does not plan to introduce a mask regime.

“Let’s not forget the main thing: even before Covid, you and I were sick with colds, flu, and so on all winter. Then there was Covid, and after Covid we continue to get sick, and we will continue to get sick. This is the season, especially for our climate. Let’s not treat this like unexpected snow in December,” Mr. Peskov urged during a press call.

When asked whether the rise in incidence could have an impact on the upcoming presidential elections in the spring, he answered negatively. “I don’t think this can be discussed. If you remember, we held elections during Covid – and nothing happened,” the Kremlin representative assured.

He added that precautions need to be taken, but the authorities have not received “indications in favor of a mask regime” from specialists, so they are not introducing it. “As for the president, what is most important for us is that everything necessary is being done to ensure his safety, including epidemiological safety,” Dmitry Peskov clarified.

At the beginning of December, the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova statedthat for the first time in the last three years in Russia there was a joint increase in the incidence of influenza and COVID-19. She warned that this poses additional risks and increased hospitalizations.

About the symptoms of a protracted form of ARVI – in the material “Kommersant FM” “Cold with prolonged effect”.

Laura Keffer