Blagoveshchensk Implements Two-Week Mask Requirement Amid Surge in Respiratory Illnesses

Officials in the Far Eastern city of Blagoveshchensk, which is situated close to the Chinese border, announced on Wednesday that they will implement a two-week mask requirement due to a significant increase in cases of respiratory illnesses in the region.

The government of the Amur region confirmed that the citywide mask mandate will start on Thursday and will be in effect until December 19. Additionally, all major events involving children have been canceled for the same timeframe.

The regional government stated, «These measures aim to reduce interactions among children and prevent widespread outbreaks.»

Authorities emphasized that businesses must ensure their employees wear masks, maintain adequate ventilation, install disinfecting air purifiers, and send home anyone exhibiting respiratory illness symptoms.

The mask requirement was put in place following a report from health officials on Monday indicating a 74% increase in flu cases in the Amur region compared to the previous week. Federal officials noted that this rise is typical during the winter season, which often sees an uptick in respiratory viral infections, including common strains of influenza.

Mask mandates were widely enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and officials in some regions of Russia continue to reference pandemic-related restrictions when prohibiting protests and other public gatherings.

On Wednesday, Valery Fadeyev, the head of Russia’s presidential human rights council, described the ongoing application of pandemic restrictions as «comical.»