Azerbaijan: Authorities extend strict COVID-19-related quarantine regime measures in several areas until Dec. 14 /update 24

Azerbaijan extends special quarantine regime to ten additional cities and districts until Dec. 14 to combat coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Event

Azerbaijan has extended strict quarantine regime measures in two cities and eight districts until 0600 Dec. 14 due to increased coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in those areas; the regime was previously set to expire on Dec. 6. The affected locations are the cities of Sheki and Lankaran, and the districts of Gakh, Zagatala, Bilasuvar, Jalilabad, Masalli, Ismayilli, Guba, and Khachmaz. All nonessential businesses must remain closed, and nonessential activities are banned. Exceptions are limited to the activities of grocery stores, pharmacies, security forces, healthcare providers, utility service providers, freight services, and financial services. Access to these cities will be controlled; police checkpoints have been erected on approaches to these areas.

Azerbaijan previously extended the nationwide special quarantine regime until at least Dec. 28 due to increasing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Public transport services will be suspended on weekends Nov. 21-Dec. 28; the Baku Metro remains completely suspended until 0600 Dec. 28. All nonessential business and activities will be suspended on weekends Nov. 21-Dec. 28; some nonessential businesses, including cinemas and gyms, will remain closed on weekdays until Dec. 28.

Additionally, existing measures will be extended to Dec. 28, including the closure of land borders and the suspension of most passenger flights. Some limited flights operate with select destinations for citizens and legal residents, their immediate families, and individuals with work or study permits. All travelers entering or leaving Azerbaijan are required to present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 48 hours and may be required to quarantine for 14 days at government-operated facilities. The border restrictions do not apply to freight traffic.

Many nonessential businesses across the country have been permitted to reopen. Protective face coverings and social distancing are mandatory in enclosed or crowded public spaces; public gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited nationwide.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.