Russians use RESTING when they mean VACATIONING, SPENDING FREE TIME. Is that the case here?

Yep, that's what they mean here. Lol.

I thought so! Thank you)))

Daria and Slavik, in English REST basically means to sleep. It doesn’t convey the same meaning of GOING OUT with friends, or VACATIONING somewhere. We also use it when the doctor prescribes no work, no heavy activity, etc. during/after an illness.