Easter food blessed in Russia churches despite virus

Most services will not feature congregations due to restrictions on mass gatherings imposed by regional authorities in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. Many churches across the country will broadcast their services online for believers to watch them at home.

Moscow:Orthodox Christians across Russia on Saturday began preparations for Easter services scheduled to begin before midnight local time, in some places blessing Easter food despite the ongoing pandemic.

Most services will not feature congregations due to restrictions on mass gatherings imposed by regional authorities in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Many churches across the country will broadcast their services online for believers to watch them at home.

However, some regional authorities, including in the Yakutia republic, said they would allow church services, citing low infection numbers in the area.

A church spokesperson said Friday that it was up to the local clergy to decide whether to allow public services to proceed after consulting with local health authorities.

Russia has recorded 36,793 cases of coronavirus and 313 deaths as of Saturday.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia and could lead to death.

(With inputs from AP)