The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Golikova, issued a directive to regional authorities to curb any rise in new Covid-19 cases. The instruction came in the aftermath of a meeting of the operational headquarters dedicated to controlling infectious diseases, reinforcing the government’s focus on safeguarding public health as winter conditions intensify respiratory illness concerns. The message was communicated through official channels and reported by RIA News as part of a routine briefing on the country’s health security posture.
Golikova urged the heads of the regions to personally oversee strict adherence to preventive measures aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) during mass gatherings and within organized groups. The emphasis was on proactive supervision, emphasizing that local leaders must translate federal guidance into concrete, verifiable actions on the ground. The aim was to minimize transmission risk during events often associated with higher contact rates and to protect vulnerable populations during peak season.
The Deputy Prime Minister connected the warning to a series of large-scale incidents observed around New Year celebrations. Officials noted a reduction of more than 10 percent in new cases and hospitalizations in the preceding week, indicating a potential favorable trend while underscoring the need for vigilance as crowds gather during holidays. The message stressed that progress should not breed complacency and that continued caution remains essential to sustaining the decline in case numbers.
In addition to epidemiological guidance, Golikova directed regional authorities to ensure the uninterrupted operation of health facilities during the New Year holidays. This included securing steady access to medicines for pharmacies and hospitals, maintaining staffing levels, and guaranteeing the integrity of medical supply chains during a period when demand can spike and routine services may be disrupted by festive closures. The overarching goal was to preserve health system resilience when demand for care can fluctuate unexpectedly.
On December 25, in Moscow, officials provided updates about the current situation regarding the incidence of influenza and COVID-19, reflecting ongoing monitoring and assessment of respiratory illness activity across the capital. The briefing highlighted surveillance data, local hospital readiness, and the steps being taken to prevent a rebound in transmission as the season progresses and social activities continue into the winter months.
Earlier developments indicated that the spread of the new JN.1 variant in the United States had increased significantly, with a doubling in two weeks. This reference underscored the importance of cross-border awareness and the need for continued international coordination in monitoring evolving variants and adjusting public health responses accordingly, even as regional measures were emphasized to reduce domestic risk.