Putin’s goal is ending democracy. Since Putin is directing Trump & Republicans I was wondering if Russia has the same no-mask policy as the Republican Party. Turns out they do. Once Trump declares himself winner will the masks go back on in Russia?

 "As Russian children returned to school this week after a six-month break, there was little sign of masks or physical distancing but plenty of evidence of other measures to try to keep COVID-19 out of the country's classrooms. 

"We're so glad that they are back to school in a more traditional format and not how it was in March and April," parent Sergei Yerofeev told CBC News as he waited proudly with his five-year-old son Sasha at the school in Balashikha, a bedroom community about 30 kilometres outside Moscow.

Like many other countries, Russia stopped classroom learning in March as coronavirus cases increased, leaving kids to take their classes long-distance.

CBC News asked to visit the school to survey the COVID-19 precautions brought in by Russia's government and administrators agreed.

The first day of class is known as Den Znanii or "Day of Knowledge" and is meant to be a celebration of education..."

 "We're optimistic,' said Yerofeev about having children back together again safely in a school setting. 'I don't feel worried.'

Even though many educators outside Russia are urging children to avoid touching or direct contact with one another, at the Balashikhan School, the new Grade 1 students held hands and walked in through the building's front doors together.

Whereas many Canadian provinces have opted for mask use, smaller groupings in classrooms and maximized physical distancing, Russia has stressed different priorities..."

 "President Vladimir Putin kicked off the learning on Tuesday in a teleconference call where he made only a passing reference to the educational challenges posed by COVID-19.

"These restrictions are necessary to protect your health and the health of others around you — your grandparents, parents and everybody at school and at home," said a transcript of Putin's remarks provided by the Kremlin.

He then went on to speak at length about the need to learn about Russian victories in the Second War War, or what Russians refer to as the Great Patriotic War..."

"Controversial vaccine 

 Russia's government is also counting on its much-hyped coronavirus vaccine — dubbed Sputnik V — to ensure classrooms around the vast country remain open.

The first batch of mass inoculations involving up to 40,000 people will start later this month as part a Phase 3 trial,  according to Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, even as immunologists outside the country openly question whether the vaccine will actually work. 

So far, it's only been tested on a few dozen patients and the Gamaleya Research Institute, which is developing the vaccine, has yet to publish its findings in-peer reviewed publications..."

"Dmitry Belousov, the director of the Balashikha school, acknowledged some teachers have concerns about the vaccine but he expects most will take the injection in the end. The government insists taking the vaccine is voluntary but some teachers groups aren't convinced of that.

"We conducted a survey of employees — it was an informal conversation and I saw that there are doubts," Belousov told CBC..."

"Parents appeared equally conflicted.

'Well, to be honest of course it's scary, 'said Alexander Ryzhkov, who has a daughter in Grade 7. 'We don't know what kind of vaccine this really is."

More with photos of happy Russian schoolchildren living in Putin's paradise 

HERE:

Temperature checks and no masks: School is back in Russia, but classes look much the same