Russia: Introduction of ‘immunity certificates’ amid pandemic is on the table — watchdog head

Anna Popova

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/: The introduction of ‘immunity certificates’ due to the pandemic is on the table and the discussions are underway, Head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at the Gaidar Forum on Friday.

"We are definitely moving towards that. However, the question of form, the question of the absence or inadmissibility of discrimination of any of the vaccines, of any drug is a matter of today’s discussions," Popova said referring to the introduction of ‘immunity certificates.’

Working from home

The head of the Russian consumer watchdog, Anna Popova, supports the transition to the remote work format on an ongoing basis in those areas where it is possible. "I see no contradiction in the fact that some people will continue to work from home given today's communication, digital and technical capabilities," Popova said.

She noted that some employers and employees liked this form of work more than the traditional one. At the same time, she recalled, "some types of activities cannot be performed at home without special equipment." Part of the employees of Rospotrebnadzor due to the pandemic also switched to working from home, she said. According to Popova, due to this, "efficiency of some of the staff increased."

According to the latest statistics, over 93.1 million people have been infected worldwide, and about 2 million deaths have been reported. To date, 3,520,531 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,909,680 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 64,495 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.

The Gaidar Forum is an annual international research and practical conference in the economic field that has been held since 2010. The event is co-organized by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy and the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia (AIRR). TASS is a general information partner of the forum.