In Chechnya, officials follow Ramzan Kadyrov's example in ignoring mask regime

In Gudermes, officials attended a ceremony to commission a residential building without wearing protective masks, local residents reported. According to them, the top-ranking officials of Chechnya follow the example of Ramzan Kadyrov and openly violate the mask regime.

Ramzan Kadyrov's refusal to wear a mask came into conflict not only with the recommendation of the "Rospotrebnadzor" (Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare), but also with his own decree. The requirement to wear protective masks in public places has been in effect in Chechnya since May 6.

"Ramzan Kadyrov demonstratively does not wear a mask, even during mass events. Our officials, law enforcers, and theologians follow his example. Meanwhile, the police conduct raids throughout the republic to check the compliance with the mask regime. It's a paradox," said activist Milana.

"It is not surprising that the top-ranking official openly violate the mask regime. It is simply an indicator of a clear division into "top" and "bottom" layers of population. The former can do everything, while the latter – on the contrary," said Sultan, a resident of Grozny.

Olga Mishina, a doctor from Vladikavkaz, believes that the coronavirus infection can be transmitted by airborne droplets even during a conversation, so everyone should wear masks.

According to Olga Mishina, it is unacceptable if part of the population refuses to wear masks during the quarantine. Such a situation aggravates the epidemiological situation, and the quarantine will continue until the entire population of the region go through the infection, the doctor emphasizes.