Russia says it's ready to expedite the construction of new infectious diseases centers nationwide ‘if necessary’

Russia’s federal government says it’s prepared to expedite the construction of new infectious diseases centers across the country, if necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus. On Tuesday, March 17, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said, “We have indeed considered this option. If necessary, we’re ready to implement these options.” Khusnullin added that the government would draw on officials’ experience in Moscow, where several infectious diseases centers are currently being built.

In “New Moscow,” an area half the size of Luxembourg that was added to the Russian capital in 2012, the authorities are currently building an infectious diseases hospital for coronavirus patients. The prefabricated health center will have 500 hospital beds, including 250 spaces in intensive care.

As of March 17, Russia had confirmed 114 cases of COVID-19, including 21 new cases in the previous 24 hours.