Strengthening of anti-COVID measures was discussed at emergency operations center meeting in Bashkiria

On September 30, the Head of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, held a meeting of the emergency operations center to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection in the region. Increasing the vaccination rate against COVID-19, preventing infections in places of mass stay of residents, and public transport was on the agenda.

"We record a slowdown in the vaccination campaign over the republic. By October 1, it was necessary to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the residents of Bashkortostan, and in fact, slightly more than 50 percent were vaccinated. That is, we do not fulfill the plan. Moreover, these are not just abstract figures but accurate mathematical calculations. Only after reaching the established indicators we will reach collective immunity and will be able to return to normal life", Radiy Khabirov said.

Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Health of Bashkortostan Maxim Zabelin reported that since the beginning of the vaccination campaign, the region had received 1,759,308 doses of domestic vaccines. As of September 30, 1,282,792 residents of the republic were vaccinated with the first dose. 1,175,839 people completed vaccination.

"Since the beginning of September, with the return of people to educational and labor teams after summer vacations, epidemiologists have recorded an increase in the incidence, including among schoolchildren under 14 years old and elderly people over 65 years old. Moreover, those who are not vaccinated are especially seriously ill," Maxim Zabelin stressed. "We crossed the threshold of 400 cases per day. Over the past day, we had 420 new infections. Twenty-one deaths from COVID-19 have been registered".

Radiy Khabirov instructed ministries and departments to propose specific measures to increase the rate of vaccination, to tighten prevention and control over strict adherence to the mask regime in public transport, cultural institutions, sports, and education. Corresponding changes will be made to the decree of the Head of Bashkortostan on high alert.