COVID-19 new cases in Russia 2020-2023

New COVID-19 cases in Russia stood at over 19.9 thousand during the week ending October 22, 2023, up nearly 3.1 thousand from the previous week. The total number of confirmed cases of the disease in the country exceeded 23 million, with the capital Moscow accounting for the largest number of infected individuals.

COVID-19 spread in Russia

The mass spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Russia is considered to have started in March 2020, given that only two cases were recorded at the end of January and none in February. By mid-April, the disease affected all federal subjects, or regions of the country. To contain the COVID-19 outbreak, a lockdown was introduced in the country until mid-May 2020, and residents aged above 65 years were obliged to stay home for several months longer as a preventive measure. Another non-working period was announced at the end of October and the beginning of November 2021.

What do Russians think about COVID-19?

In February 2020, only 18 percent of the Russian population believed there was a high probability of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. As more disease cases were reported, the society took it more seriously. In April 2020, over 90 percent of Russians supported measures taken by the national government to prevent the wider spread of the disease.

For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.