Culture and COVID-19: a view from Russia

The article is devoted to the analysis of the impact on culture in the context of the pandemic caused by Covid-19. Among the problems raised in the article, the problem of understanding culture, determining the role of cultural norms and values is examined. Based on examples showing the actions of the governing classes and their representatives from different countries, the consequences of their decisions on the health and culture of citizens at the national and interstate levels are forecasted and illustrated. From the variety of qualities that culture possesses, in an extraordinary situation caused by a virus distinguished the normative and value-oriented ones. It is concluded that cultural qualities related to science and the search for truth come out as more conducive for social consolidation than other ones. It is shown how scientifically unsubstantiated statements can adversely affect the cultural image of individuals, even those at the top of political power. The actions of the Russian ruling class aimed at preserving the health and life of citizens through the introduction of quarantine and strict sanitary measures are considered culturally sanctioned. Removing restrictions in the absence of effective drugs or vaccines is considered as a venture initiative that can gain both support and criticism from the population, depending on the number of infections it provokes.