The Russian military will quarantine everyone involved in rehearsals for Russia’s postponed Victory Day Parade, the Defense Ministry said Monday following reports that some participants have tested positive for the coronavirus.
President Vladimir Putin postponed the landmark parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II until later in 2020 as Russia struggles to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed Friday that dozens of cadets, some of whom were reportedly involved in parade rehearsals, tested positive for Covid-19 in Moscow.
“The military teams have been ordered to return to home bases in accordance with the decision to postpone the military parade on Red Square,” Russia’s state-run TASS news agency quoted the Defense Ministry as saying.
“Upon arrival, all military personnel who took part in rehearsals will be placed in two-week quarantine,” it added.
The military said that all equipment that was used in the rehearsals will be disinfected, according to TASS.
Preparations for the military parade had been underway since February. Around 15,000 troops and 400 pieces of equipment were estimated to be preparing to take part in the 2020 parade.
Unconfirmed social media footage of recent parade rehearsals outside Moscow showed crowds of troops in apparent violation of social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
Russia commemorates the Soviet victory over the Nazis each year on May 9 with a massive military display that sees thousands of troops and tanks parade through Red Square and military jets fly in formation over the capital.
This year's parade was meant to be a major showcase for Putin, with world leaders and veterans from all over Russia invited to watch and take part in events over four days.
Russia had reported a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases — 10th in the world — and 405 deaths as of Monday.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
