Photo: Natalia Muschinkina
Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova stated that the government had drafted and submitted to the State Duma draft laws regulating the use of QR codes in public places and in transport by the Railway Charter.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the implementation of the draft laws is due to the continuing difficult situation with the occurrence of coronavirus: growth continues in 61 regions of the country, healthcare is working with tension and mortality is very alarming. In the first 9 months of 2021, 91.2% of the total over-mortem accounted for covid. “This seriously affects the general demographic situation in Russia,” Golikova emphasized. According to her, the citizens of the country should understand that it will not be possible to establish collective immunity by vaccinating a neighbor.
The proposed solutions are an emergency measure against a difficult coronavirus situation.
The first bill, “Amendments to the Federal Hygiene and Epidemiological Care Act,” provides that citizens will be able to attend public events, cultural institutions, catering and retail establishments by submitting:
– or a QR code to vaccination;
– either a document confirming that the person had a coronavirus;
– or medical withdrawal from vaccination;
“Recognizing that citizens need time to vaccinate and compile the relevant documentation, the bill provides for a transitional period and the full use of certificates will enter into force on February 1, 2022,” said Golíková.
According to Golíková, if a person does not have the necessary documentation to visit these facilities by February 1, they will be able to submit a negative PCR test. After 1 February, only citizens with a health department will have such an opportunity.
There will be a special procedure for issuing documentation for military personnel, but the timing of its provision coincides with the term civilian population. According to Golikova, foreigners vaccinated with vaccines not recognized in the Russian Federation will need a negative PCR test to visit public facilities.
The decision to use QR codes and a list of facilities where they are required will be made by the regional authorities.
As before, there will be no need to present anything when visiting pharmacies, food and basic goods organizations.
“When visiting these organizations, citizens will have to follow the regime of veils and gloves,” Goliková emphasized.
“The bill is urgent. It is valid until June 1, 2022, “said Golíková, adding that the authorities expect to create indicators of collective immunity before this date.