Press Release, 21.12.2021

Photo by the Press Service of the Saratov branch of Yabloko

On 19 December, the Saratov regional branch of the Yabloko party held a debate with the participation of civil activists. The topic was the use of coercive measures in the fight against COVID-19. The participants in the debate spoke about the need to coerce vaccinations and the introduction of QR codes, and also discussed their effectiveness and impact on the epidemiological situation. The viewers of the debates asked the participants questions, and also voted for the position they shared.

Supporters of the use of coercive measures in the fight against coronavirus infection expressed concern about the situation with the epidemic, and also substantiated the opinion about the need for decisive measures to combat new strains of COVID-19. They noted the deplorable state of the healthcare system and the need to recognise foreign vaccines registered by the World Health Organisation.

Opponents of the use of coercive measures recalled the inefficiency of the policies of the Government of the Russian Federation in the field of healthcare in recent years, and also talked about the selective use of coronavirus bans to restrict the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens, for example, freedom of assembly, both during the pandemic and after the normalisation of the epidemiological situation. In addition, they noted that the deliberate discreditation of foreign vaccines led to a decrease in the level of confidence not only in the Russian vaccine, but also in the vaccination procedure.

The debate was concluded by the audience voting for the most convincing position. However, no winner was identified, as viewers cast an equal number of votes for both positions.

It was noted in the debate that the Yabloko party considered it necessary to conduct the following measures:

– Immediately provide the World Health Organisation with all the necessary documents and materials for the recognition of the Sputnik V vaccine by WHO;

– Allow all the vaccines registered by WHO for use in the Russian Federation and recognise them in the territory of Russia;

– Make it as easy as possible for Russian citizens to access vaccination in all regions of the country;

– Ensure the issuance of certificates with QR codes to all citizens who have medical contraindications or who have recovered from COVID-19 (having a high level of neutralising antibodies determined by the healthcare authorities), regardless of whether they have applied to medical institutions and whether they have been officially diagnosed COVID-19. Before vaccination, provide mandatory free testing for the level of neutralising COVID-19 antibodies and PCR tests;

– Provide free distribution of personal protective equipment to citizens and their use in public places (following the example of installing sanitizers in the Moscow metro);

– In all regions of the Russian Federation provide for elderly people, people with limited mobility and those not having computer literacy, the possibility of vaccination at home (and deliver vaccination certificates to their homes);

– Completely abandon the use of the coronavirus threat to selectively restrict public events (primarily in the form of single pickets);

– Introduce material incentives for those vaccinated (who in the perspective will save money for their treatment) and provide for life and health insurance at the expense of the federal budget for all vaccinated;

– Monitor strict adherence to the “mask mode” in public transport.

Yabloko considers it unacceptable to grant governors the right to establish and expand the list of public places where access is restricted to citizens who do not have a QR code.

Yabloko stands for stimulating voluntary vaccination and preventing violations of citizens’ rights.