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Over 60,000 people take icy Epiphany baths in Moscow — deputy mayor

It is reported that control was enhanced at possible places of unsanctioned bathing

MOSCOW, January 20. /TASS/. More than 60,000 people marked Epiphany by taking dips in icy water in Moscow, Moscow’s Deputy Mayor Pyotr Biryukov told TASS on Friday.

"This year, Epiphany baths could be taken at 46 locations in Moscow. All of them were equipped with timber platforms, staircases with hand rails for descending to and ascending from the Epiphany holes, life-saving means, heating and meals, portable toilets, and light fixtures. In all, more than 60,000 people took part," he said, adding that around 800 rescuers, as well as police and medics were engaged to ensure people’s safety and security.

"No accidents were reported. Control was enhanced at possible places of unsanctioned bathing. None was registered," he said.