Elimination of the pestilence (plague) outbreak in Moscow in the XVIII century: historical and legal aspects

Taking into account the historical experience of eliminating epidemics of particularly dangerous infections is relevant for the design and implementation of measures in the modern period, when the main challenge at the beginning of this century is the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of regulatory legal acts aimed at eliminating the plague outbreak in Moscow in the 18th century. Methods: the author uses analytical and bibliographic methods (scientific literature on the plague epidemic in Moscow in the 18th century and normative legal acts are analyzed). Results: the paper shows the role of the main liquidator of the epidemic - Count G. Orlov, who, along with additional prohibitive and restrictive measures, introduced financial support for patients and persons in quarantine, as well as health care institutions, which made it possible to eliminate the epidemic in almost two months and prevent its spread throughout the Empire. The measures to eliminate the plague were based on the opinion of leading Russian doctors that the plague is a disease that is transmitted by contact, which was scientific progress.