Crisis Communications of the Authorities during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Russia

This type of crisis like COVID-19 is unprecedented, it endangers the life and health of the whole population, as well as the normal functioning of all spheres of society. Undoubtedly, the regulation of this crisis is entirely the responsibility of public authorities, thus their image and reputation are also threatened. For the settlement of this kind of crisis the authorities have to resort to extreme unconventional measures, which should be accompanied by a competent communication. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the complex of communication technologies used by the Moscow authorities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to determine their effectiveness. The study uses the case study method, which will identify the crisis communication tools used by the Moscow authorities, and also define strategies. In addition, the study will be conducted a content analysis of the comments, which will determine the audience reaction at each stage of crisis communications, with the result that will assess the effectiveness of crisis communication of the Moscow authorities. Based on the study will be given to the recommendations that will be useful to public authorities in the creation of an anti-crisis campaign.