Would it be possible for you to write a post about everyday life of the unvaxxed in Covid Moscow? I mean, how do they go about their daily business when there are QR codes everywhere? I follow the news but it's not the same as hearing it from someone who lives there.
Not everything yet, and it's not exactly QR-coded everywhere because many venues do not have QR code scanners. Basically, only the police are authorized to check people's covid ausweise. I live in a small city of Rivne, and here the staff at small shops, restaurants, hairdresser's, etc. do not really stop anyone from entering and do not check your covid pass. But they make to sure to warn you that the police may arrive and check it at any minute, so you're shopping/dining/getting your hair done at your own risk. Gyms, swimming pools, and large malls are QR-coded, so we the unvaxxed are banned from these places.
But in Kiev, for example, most venues do use QR codes, and you have to show the ausweis even to use the underground. Is it the same in Moscow?
Sounds miserable. Moscow is not as severe--at least not yet. QR codes aren't needed except in museums and certain venues. So most of the city is still open. But they are restricting the movement of older folks, and the Virus Taliban have announced that QR codes will be needed for transport and shops/restaurants starting early next year. In other cities/regions it is already like this. Petersburg has far more restrictions now, as I understand it. And all of Tatarstan is basically one big QR-coded prison.
I forgot to mention two important things: 1) from the 8th of November, unvaccinated teachers and civil servants were suspended without pay and can only return to work if they take the vax; 2) the unvaxxed are banned from intercity travel. You can take an intercity bus, plane, or train only if you have the ausweis. Of course, you can use a private car, but for those who don't have one, taxi seems the only option.
I think Lithuania is in a league of its own, but it's still quite bad over there in Tatarstan. I have several friends in/around Kazan. Public transport is QR-coded (or days away from it), and so are basically all businesses, as I understand.
A negative PCR test can be presented instead of covid pass, but a test costs 500-700 UAH ($20-26) and is valid for 72 hours only, so people barely use this option. Not many can afford to get tested every three days.
yes, the PCR test "loophole" is a cynical way for authorities to claim that the vax isn't "mandatory". Ha. And who is going to get tested every 3 days for the rest of their life, even if they can afford it? At any rate, it seems obvious that they will eventually phase out the negative test option and make everyone get the shot. It's a slow boil.
Would it be possible for you to write a post about everyday life of the unvaxxed in Covid Moscow? I mean, how do they go about their daily business when there are QR codes everywhere? I follow the news but it's not the same as hearing it from someone who lives there.
Certainly. I actually have a guest poster who will touch on some of this. article will be up soon.
Thank you, I'll be waiting for it.
I was going to write that this beggars belief, but then I remembered I live in Ukraine where such situations are almost an everyday occurrence.
Love your writing style, by the way.
Thanks, Natalie! What's the situation in COVID Ukraine these days (aside from the dumpster safaris)? Is everything QR-coded over there?
Not everything yet, and it's not exactly QR-coded everywhere because many venues do not have QR code scanners. Basically, only the police are authorized to check people's covid ausweise. I live in a small city of Rivne, and here the staff at small shops, restaurants, hairdresser's, etc. do not really stop anyone from entering and do not check your covid pass. But they make to sure to warn you that the police may arrive and check it at any minute, so you're shopping/dining/getting your hair done at your own risk. Gyms, swimming pools, and large malls are QR-coded, so we the unvaxxed are banned from these places.
But in Kiev, for example, most venues do use QR codes, and you have to show the ausweis even to use the underground. Is it the same in Moscow?
Sounds miserable. Moscow is not as severe--at least not yet. QR codes aren't needed except in museums and certain venues. So most of the city is still open. But they are restricting the movement of older folks, and the Virus Taliban have announced that QR codes will be needed for transport and shops/restaurants starting early next year. In other cities/regions it is already like this. Petersburg has far more restrictions now, as I understand it. And all of Tatarstan is basically one big QR-coded prison.
Tatarstan, is it similar to Lithuania? like what's described here https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1440910274962333696.html
I forgot to mention two important things: 1) from the 8th of November, unvaccinated teachers and civil servants were suspended without pay and can only return to work if they take the vax; 2) the unvaxxed are banned from intercity travel. You can take an intercity bus, plane, or train only if you have the ausweis. Of course, you can use a private car, but for those who don't have one, taxi seems the only option.
I think Lithuania is in a league of its own, but it's still quite bad over there in Tatarstan. I have several friends in/around Kazan. Public transport is QR-coded (or days away from it), and so are basically all businesses, as I understand.
A negative PCR test can be presented instead of covid pass, but a test costs 500-700 UAH ($20-26) and is valid for 72 hours only, so people barely use this option. Not many can afford to get tested every three days.
yes, the PCR test "loophole" is a cynical way for authorities to claim that the vax isn't "mandatory". Ha. And who is going to get tested every 3 days for the rest of their life, even if they can afford it? At any rate, it seems obvious that they will eventually phase out the negative test option and make everyone get the shot. It's a slow boil.