After Installing a Disinfection Tunnel at Putin's Residence, Lockdown Lifted and National Referendum Conducted

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] It has been confirmed that a sterilization tunnel to prevent infection of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been installed at Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence. As not only the Prime Minister but also close aides to the President have been infected with COVID-19, a special facility was prepared to prevent President Putin from being infected.

According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti on the 17th (local time), a sterilization tunnel was installed at the residence to protect President Putin. To enter President Putin's residence, one must pass through this tunnel, where disinfectant is sprayed in mist form.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

As COVID-19 cases surged in Russia, President Putin has been staying at his residence instead of his office to conduct official duties. Especially after confirming that close aides such as Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov were infected, President Putin has been effectively self-isolating at the residence to minimize contact with the outside. Earlier in April, Press Secretary Peskov also stated that anyone wishing to meet President Putin must undergo a COVID-19 test.

Although a sterilization tunnel was installed to prevent President Putin's infection, Russia itself is easing COVID-19 related lockdown measures. Russia will hold the large-scale Victory Day military parade, which was postponed due to COVID-19, on the 24th. Following that, a constitutional referendum will be held from the 25th until the 1st of next month.

If the constitutional amendment passes the referendum, President Putin will be eligible to run in the next presidential election. Having succeeded in re-election, President Putin was previously unable to run in the 2024 election due to the current constitution banning a third term. However, Russia amended the constitution to adjust presidential powers, maintaining the clause banning a third term but effectively nullifying the term limit clause for President Putin.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Russian government explained that the easing of lockdown measures is due to the slowdown in the increase of new COVID-19 cases.

According to the international statistics site Worldometer, Russia has a cumulative total of 553,301 COVID-19 cases, ranking third in the world for the highest number of confirmed cases. After peaking with about 10,000 new cases in mid-last month, there are currently over 7,000 new cases daily. On this day, there were 7,843 new confirmed cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.