Russia: Moscow extends COVID-19 measures until May 31 /update 35

Event

The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, announced on Thursday, May 7, that self-isolation measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the capital will be extended until at least Sunday, May 31. Residents are also now required to wear gloves and masks on public transportation, as well as in stores, shopping malls, and when taking taxis. However, some sectors, including construction and industry, will be allowed to resume operations on Tuesday, May 12. Workers who currently hold digital travel permits will have their permits automatically extended to May 31. Restaurants, theaters, sports facilities, and nonessential businesses will remain closed. As of May 7, at least 92,676 cases have been confirmed in Moscow, with 905 fatalities.

COVID-19 restrictions may be eased in other Russian regions from May 12. During the first stage, individuals will be permitted to go outside for walking and exercise purposes. The second stage of easing will see educational establishments and some service-sector businesses return to operation, while the final stage will allow for the reopening of recreational facilities such as parks and squares. However, the two latter stages will be subject to review once an assessment of the impact of the first stage has been completed.

A ban on the entry of foreign nationals has been extended indefinitely. Exceptions will be made for foreign national specialists in critical industries. Russia's land and maritime borders remain closed to all vehicle, rail, and pedestrian checkpoints; Russian diplomats and freight truck drivers are exempt from these measures. Except for repatriation flights, all flights are suspended, and all individuals arriving in Russia from abroad are subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Russian Railways and its subsidiary, Federal Passenger Company, have reduced or suspended domestic services until late May.

As of May 7, 177,160 cases of COVID-19 and 1625 fatalities have been confirmed in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.