In the Vologda region announced new restrictions in connection with COVID-19

At the same time, loyalty to responsible residents was declared: in particular, “bonuses” will be introduced in the region for those who want to take root.

Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov announced decisions to stabilize the epidemiological situation today at the operational headquarters, his press service reports. The reason was the explosive increase in the incidence recorded in the Vologda region since the beginning of June, as well as the low rate of vaccination, which could significantly affect the outcome of the fight against the virus.

New restrictions will be introduced for a period of one month - from June 28 to July 30, cinemas, theaters, concerts and all public indoor events will be suspended. Under the ban remain events in open areas, and sports will be allowed to be held without spectators.

The governor recommended to employers to transfer 50% of workers to a remote mode of work. By appointment will be accepted in those institutions where it is possible. The high alert regime will be extended until July 30 inclusive. Compliance with existing restrictions and anti-epidemic measures will once again be monitored by mobile brigades - such an instruction was given to the heads of districts and city districts together with law enforcement agencies.

“Unfortunately, the majority of Vologda residents do not understand the seriousness of the situation until they face the disease directly. The situation is really tense. The daily increase in cases increased by 1.6 times and amounted to 65 people over the past day. Since the beginning of June, the number of hospitalized patients, as well as the number of patients in serious condition, has tripled,” the head of the region said, noting that the number of beds in the Vologda region was increased before the situation became critical. An additional 775 beds have been introduced, new ones have been opened in the Cherepovets city maternity hospital and the Vologda Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. Now 1,300 beds are ready to receive patients in Vologda, Cherepovets and Veliky Ustyug, of which 70% are occupied. In this regard, the Governor announced the readiness to deploy another 510 beds as needed.

“We have been observing an explosive growth in hospitalizations in our monohospital since June 12. From 35 to 67 people are admitted daily, of which 25% are patients with a severe form of the disease. The saddest thing is the change in the age composition of seriously ill patients, out of 29 intensive care patients, 18 people are under 60 years old, these are people of working age. The proportion of young patients prevails. A category of patients who do not respond to any treatment regimens has appeared, about 20% of such patients. This is probably due to the mutations of the virus, which has become more aggressive and more transient. From clinical manifestations to hospitalization in intensive care is 3-4 days. The virus is no longer accompanied by symptoms such as loss of smell, sore throat. Now it starts with a high temperature and respiratory failure,” says Andrey Pogodin, chief physician of the Cherepovets city hospital. 

Additional conditions in the Vologda region will be created for those who wish to be vaccinated. The governor noted that the opportunity to be vaccinated should be provided at a convenient time, and instructed to declare the day of vaccination for employees a day off. This will become the norm, which will be fixed in collective agreements, for civil servants. The head of the region urged heads of enterprises and organizations of all forms of ownership to follow this example.

“I am sure that caring for the health of Vologda residents has been, is and will be the main priority of the work of the leaders of all government bodies. This is the only way we can ensure the safety of residents,” said Oleg Kuvshinnikov.

The current rates of vaccination, according to the governor, will not allow vaccinating 60% of Vologda residents by autumn and forming herd immunity. So far, only a third of the planned amount is being vaccinated daily. The residents of the Vologda Oblast are fully provided with the vaccine.