Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In Russia -- News Updates March 17, 2020

Daily Mail: Putin says coronavirus is 'under control' as Russia launches hi-tech system to spot empty supermarket shelves and track quarantined citizens

* President Putin visited a new coronavirus information centre in Moscow today
* He told a government meeting after that the situation is 'generally under control'
* Officials at the centre said they can use artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras to monitor supermarket shelves and track quarantined individuals

President Vladimir Putin said the spread of coronavirus in Russia is 'under control' today, after touring a new facility built to spot empty supermarket shelves and to track quarantined citizens.

'We were able to contain mass penetration and spread' of the pandemic, the Russian president told a government meeting.

'The situation is generally under control despite high risk level.'

Putin's comments came after a tour of a new coronavirus information centre in Moscow that is pulling together IT resources including surveillance cameras and artificial intelligence.

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WNU Editor: Here are some of the measures the Russian government is implementing now .... Here’s Russia’s plan for facing the coronavirus crisis and preventing new infections, point by point (Meduza)

What's my take on the Covid-19 pandemic reaction in Russia. From what I know, read, and talking with friends and family, everyone is taking this crisis seriously. Everyone knows what has happened/happening in China, so the expectation is that the same will happen in Russia. The country has just closed its borders to foreigners, and are advising everyone in Russia to stay home. I know many businesses in Moscow and Saint Petersburg are closing until further notice, and that the highways and major streets in both cities are empty of cars and pedestrians. There are currently 114 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and no deaths. IMHO these numbers are accurate. What strikes me about this crisis is how focused the Kremlin and the media are on telling everyone that if precautions are not taken, the country faces a disaster. If they are trying to scare people, they are succeeding.

Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In Russia -- News Updates March 17, 2020

Number of coronavirus cases in Russia reaches 114 -- TASS
56 coronavirus cases confirmed in Moscow -- TASS
New Coronavirus Cases in Russia Jump 47% in 24 Hours -- Moscow Times
Russia Temporarily Bans Entry of Foreigners Amid Coronavirus Outbreak -- Reuters
Coronavirus: Russia closes borders until May -- The Independent
Russia Closing Border With Belarus for Travel Amid COVID-19 Outbreak -- Sputnik
Russia begins work on a second 500-bed, speed-build coronavirus hospital as Moscow limits gatherings and closes schools -- Daily Mail
Coronavirus just got real in Moscow: outdoor events banned, schools closed, indoor crowds restricted -- RT
Russia suspends all professional soccer, hockey, and basketball competitions until April 10 -- Meduza
Russian Cabinet, Central Bank Introducing Measures to Minimise Impact of Coronavirus on Economy -- Sputnik
Russia Employs AI and Video Surveillance Against Coronavirus Disruption -- RT
Russian Tourists Trapped in Europe Amid Canceled Flights, Closing Borders -- Moscow Times
Foreign Ministry sets up task force to coordinate repatriation of Russians -- TASS
Putin calls for solidarity and discipline amid coronavirus pandemic risks -- TASS
Q&A: Russia’s Anti-Coronavirus Measures -- Moscow Times
Russia Starts Testing Potential Coronavirus Vaccine -- Moscow Times/AFP