Russian President Declares Extra Days Off

Russia’s president has decreed additional days off to prevent a possible rise of COVID-19 cases during traditional public holidays in early May.

This year, statutory holidays fall on two Mondays, May 3 and May 10. The presidential decree has extended the stretch of non-working days to cover the entire period from May 1 to May 10.

The change aims to reduce commuting during the country’s traditional spring holidays, thus averting the spread of coronavirus infections and ensuring the current downward trend in COVID-19 cases continues.

No lockdown measures have been introduced.

During the extended days-off period, public institutions, including the Russian Patent and Trademark Office (Rospatent) and some courts, will not be working. In accordance with Russian law, all due dates falling within this period will be automatically extended to the next official working day (May 11).

In the absence of extraordinary situations, Rospatent, the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO), other administrative bodies, and courts have continued to work as normal. Court and administrative cases are heard both in remote mode and in the parties’ presence.