In January 2022, Russia faced a new wave of coronavirus associated with the spread of the Omicron strain. Despite the fact that the strain turned out to be less lethal compared to Delta, its infectiousness was much higher, and by the middle of the month, medical institutions were reporting a sharp increase in the number of cases. Against this background, regions began to actively introduce and tighten rules for access to public places: shopping centers, gyms, media, and public events. QR codes confirming vaccination or previous illness have become mandatory almost everywhere. However, the situation caused a serious public outcry. Some citizens openly opposed such restrictions, and the State Duma even suspended discussion of the bill on QR codes in transport due to mass discontent. Businesses have also criticized the measures as the restrictions have hit footfall and revenue. The authorities tried to balance between risks to the healthcare system and people's fatigue from the epidemic. In January-February, record levels of infections were recorded - over 150 thousand new cases per day. As a result, by spring, many regions began to gradually lift QR restrictions, recognizing that the social system was not ready for them. January became a symbol of the end of the “era of Covid control” in Russia - it was during this period that it became clear that the country was moving towards abandoning its strict anti-epidemic policy.

During the year, changes occurred in Russia related to the regulation of the political, social and information spheres. The pandemic and elections became catalysts for strengthening state control - the authorities sought to maintain stability in the face of repeated crises. Rules for the media and digital platforms were tightened, and the powers of law enforcement agencies in matters of regulating public order were expanded. At the same time, the activity of government services related to monitoring the health, movement and contacts of people increased, largely due to the pandemic. The feeling of uncertainty and anxiety has increased in society. Many Russians have felt the pressure of the pandemic, economic difficulties and constant news agendas. At the same time, the level of political activity of the population decreased: people were more focused on personal and everyday problems. The year became a period when the government strengthened the vertical control, and society adapted to a new model of state-political interaction. Many analyzed these processes as a transition to a more conservative, security model of the device.

As throughout the world, the main domestic event for Russians in 2021 remained the coronavirus pandemic, the fight against it, the introduction and lifting of restrictions, as well as the start of a large-scale campaign to vaccinate the population with domestic drugs, such as Sputnik V. The coronavirus pandemic, rising prices and mass vaccination are named by Russian citizens among the most significant international events of the outgoing year. Among the most important events nationwide, the people surveyed identified the fight against COVID-19 and the State Duma elections. VTsIOM General Director Valery Fedorov told Rossiya Segodnya that 39% of Russians called the coronavirus pandemic the most important world event of 2021. 37% said it was rising prices and inflation. 35% – mass vaccination against coronavirus. Elections to the State Duma are considered an important event within the country by 8%, and price increases by only 4%. 7% of respondents named the victories of Russian athletes at the Olympic Games as the main achievements of 2021, and the same number - victories at the Paralympic Games. 3% each – victories of Russian figure skaters and tennis players and completion of the construction of Nord Stream 2.

The Russian economy in 2021 was significantly impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Although businesses gradually returned to work, many industries never fully recovered. Small and medium-sized businesses continued to experience a decline in income, especially in the services, tourism and entertainment sectors. The level of real incomes of the population decreased, inflation rose, and prices for food and basic necessities increased. This led to the fact that for many Russians 2021 became financially difficult. The state made attempts to compensate for losses: measures were introduced to support families with children, entrepreneurs, as well as payments to doctors. At the same time, the pandemic accelerated digitalization: remote work, online education, and telemedicine have become part of everyday life. Digital government services have become more accessible, but new challenges have also arisen - cyber threats, problems with access in remote regions and the need to train the population to work in the digital environment. The economic situation remained unstable, which made 2021 a transition period - the country gradually adapted to the new reality, but uncertainty remained.

In the fall of 2021, Russia faced another wave-like increase in the incidence of COVID-19. Regions reported overcrowded Covid wards, shortages of medical staff and increased ambulance wait times. Against the backdrop of the difficult situation, the government began to discuss measures aimed at additional control over visits to public places. The main topic was the system of QR codes confirming vaccination, previous illness or a recent negative test. In some regions, strict rules were introduced: without a QR code it was impossible to enter shopping centers, restaurants, cultural institutions and public events. In Moscow, the mandatory system was softer, but certain industries still worked according to similar requirements. Society received the initiatives ambiguously. Some saw QR codes as an effective way to contain the epidemic, while others considered them an excessive measure and a violation of rights. Issues of digital security, data protection and the legality of such restrictions were actively discussed on the Internet and in the media. Despite controversy, the measures helped stabilize the situation by December. Many experts noted that this fall was a turning point in the fight against the pandemic: the state moved to a more comprehensive digital control model, and society moved to a new level of adaptation to life under prolonged sanitary restrictions.

The beginning of 2021 in Russia passed against the backdrop of a gradual rise in the incidence of coronavirus. If in January-March the indicators remained relatively stable, then already in April and especially in May the situation began to worsen. The main reason for the new surge was the rapidly spreading “delta” strain, first discovered in India. It turned out to be more contagious than previous variants, was transmitted more quickly by airborne droplets and was more severe in unvaccinated people. Rising hospitalizations have meant hospitals in major cities are beginning to fill up again. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, additional Covid corps were deployed, restrictions were introduced on public events, and control over compliance with the mask regime was strengthened. By June, authorities in a number of regions announced mandatory vaccinations for workers in the service sectors, education, transport and trade. At the same time, social disputes grew: part of the population denied the need for vaccination, while others demanded stricter measures to protect employees and visitors. Over the summer, Russia faced a record number of deaths throughout the pandemic, making COVID-19 a central issue in public life and political governance. The pandemic has become more than just a medical phenomenon. It had an impact on the economy, the labor market, people’s income levels, and even on the political agenda - many government decisions in 2021 were based specifically on the epidemiological situation.