Russia’s chief health inspector, Doctor Gennady Onishchenko, has forbidden Muscovites from participating in opposition protests this weekend — unless they dress warmly.

Onishchenko was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying that protesters, regardless of their political leanings, should wear felt boots and shearling coats and should be aware that drinking hot tea will cause a drop in body temperature.

Onishchenko famously “recommended” that people stay away from late-December antigovernment demonstrations to avoid catching the flu.

Moscow is experiencing a prolonged cold snap, with temperatures on February 4 expected to drop as low as -18 degrees Celsius.

Thousands of protesters are expected to attend “For Fair Elections” rallies scheduled for Moscow and other cities.

Russia has seen a wave of protests since parliamentary elections in December that were seen as flawed, and ahead of a presidential vote on March 4.

Compiled from agency reports

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