Coronavirus in Russia: 59 ill and a suspicious spike in pneumonia

On March 14, Russia recorded 14 new cases of coronavirus. Now there are 59 COVID-19 infected in the country, Novaya Gazeta reports.

In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, Russia has closed its borders with Norway and Poland.

Nine new cases were identified in Moscow, one each in the Moscow Region, St. Petersburg and the Kaliningrad Region.

All 14 people recently visited countries where the coronavirus epidemic is widespread: they traveled to Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Spain, Poland and Switzerland.

The State Statistics Service says the number of people with pneumonia in Moscow in January compared with January 2019 increased by 37 percent, according to Dozhd TV channel. Pneumonia is the most common complication of coronavirus.

Among the sick in the capital, there are three minors; since March 10, their classes have been closed.

Private schools in Moscow and Moscow region announced a pause to classes, while state schools said parents could decide whether or not to send their children.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced the creation of a coordinating council to fight against coronavirus, and said that Russia needs to introduce a two-week quarantine for people at risk, and asked Russians to refrain from traveling abroad.

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A paradoxical scene from Russia’s Saint Petersburg – a full stadium at the “Zenit” vs “Ural” football game on 14 March, with fans chanting “We will all die!”