Russia: Authorities suspend flights to and from UK Dec. 22-29 due to new COVID-19 strain. /update 30

Event

Authorities in Russia will suspend all flights to and from UK Dec. 22-29 in response to a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London.

International flights had previously resumed to more than 30 countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Cuba, France, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Netherlands, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, and the US. The availability of flights is still dependent on COVID-19 restrictions in destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with a later or earlier service. Foreign air passengers arriving in Russia must present negative COVID-19 test results taken no longer than 72 hours before departure; Russian citizens must produce a negative COVID-19 test within three days upon arrival or self-isolate for 14 days. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes.

Authorities have reopened land border crossings with some countries, including Belarus and Estonia; all persons entering Russia via land border crossings will be subject to thermal imaging. Persons displaying symptoms of acute respiratory infection will be isolated, hospitalized, and tested for COVID-19. Persons not displaying symptoms must self-isolate at their accommodations; those unable to effectively self-isolate may be placed in a state facility. International rail services with Belarus and Lithuania have resumed with a reduced schedule; other international rail services remain suspended. Entry into the country via river and sea ports remains suspended; freight transporters are exempt.

Authorities are also maintaining domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 21 amid increasing infections. Local authorities in Moscow have extended existing restrictions until Jan. 15. Existing restrictions mandate that leisure facilities in the city remain closed, and evening entertainment venues, including bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, must close 2300-0600. Furthermore, residents with chronic illnesses or over the age of 65 must self-isolate, and businesses must allow at least 30 percent of their employees to work from home.

In Saint Petersburg, authorities have introduced additional restrictions until Jan. 10 including the closure of leisure, entertainment, and cultural venues, such as museums, theatres, zoos, and shopping malls. Indoor and outdoor events may not feature more than 50 people. Additionally, catering establishments must close to patrons all day Dec. 30-Jan. 3, and 1900-0600 Dec. 25-29 and 1900-0600 Jan. 4-10; take-away and delivery services may be offered.

Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces nationwide. Citizens over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases are strongly advised to avoid public places and temporarily suspend personal contacts with any persons from outside their immediate households.

Authorities have been utilizing a largely localized approach, with tighter restrictions in regions with increased infection rates. In Moscow, where the bulk of cases have been reported, authorities have introduced more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; any passengers presenting a high temperature will be denied entry. Mass events, public gatherings, and exhibitions remain banned, and museums are closed. Spectators are prohibited from attending sporting events.

Authorities nationwide continue to encourage residents to work from home whenever possible. However, nonessential businesses, retailers, theaters and cinemas, leisure facilities, educational institutions, and cultural venues have resumed operations in many locations, subject to social-distancing mandates. Restaurants, bars, and cafes may open indoor seating areas. Public transportation has also resumed in most cities, though with reduced services.

Any restrictions may be extended or amended with little advance notice. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a fine or imprisonment.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.