In Russia, those who refuse to be vaccinated for COVID-19 will have to deal with severe problems

The Kremlin supports Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's decisive measures that had to be made in connection with the pandemic, including restrictions for those vulnerable to COVID-19 to visit cafes and restaurants, Kremlin's official representative Dmitry Peskov said.

According to Peskov, the new restrictions are based on the epidemiological situation that has been getting more complicated lately.

According to Sobyanin's decree, visitors who have been vaccinated, have had COVID-19 within the last six months, or have a negative PCR test valid for three days will be able to visit catering establishments starting from June 28.

Over the past 24 hours, 6,555 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported in Moscow. The number of people infected with coronavirus in Russia increased by 16,715. The total number of positive cases has reached 5.350,919.

Kremlin admits possible discrimination of non-vaccinated people

In addition, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted possible discrimination against those Russians who have not been vaccinated against coronavirus.

"The reality is that discrimination is inevitable. People without immunity, without vaccination, will not be able to work in all areas. This is impossible, it will pose a threat to others,” he told reporters on June 22, RIA Novosti reports.

Peskov added that the information from human rights ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova about discrimination complaints from unvaccinated people should be discussed at the operation headquarters for combatting the coronavirus infection.

According to Moskalkova, those who refuse to be vaccinated faced threats of dismissal or salary cuts.

On June 16, Moscow's chief sanitary doctor Elena Andreeva ordered 60 percent of employees in the
trade, servicing, education, housing, communal services and transport to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

Russian police to be vaccinated

In addition, the Russian police intend to vaccinate at least 60 percent of employees who neither had COVID-19 nor developed antibodies to the coronavirus, the press center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

The permanent staff, as well as cadets of educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system, will be vaccinated in the first place.

The department also strengthened control over compliance with coronavirus safety measures — the use of personal protective equipment, hand sanitisers and social distancing.