Azerbaijan: Authorities extend national quarantine until at least April 1; certain restrictions eased /update 26

Event

Authorities in Azerbaijan have issued orders extending the nation's existing special quarantine regime through at least April 1, while easing certain restrictions that had been implemented to help curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Effective 0001 Jan. 18, residents are no longer required to use the government's SMS- or web-based permit systems to obtain advance authorization for movement within the cities of Baku, Sumqayit, Ganja, Mingechevir, and Shirvan; the Absheron District; or the regional capitals of the Lenkaran, Masalli, Jalilabad, Sheki, Zaqatala, Quba, Khachmaz, Yevlakh, Barda, Bilasuvar, and Ismayilli districts. However, travel into and out of these locations remains restricted until Jan. 25. Only persons traveling for government business, certain employment-related purposes, particular important family business, or other essential reasons may enter or leave these cities and districts; strict identification and permit requirements are in place for such travel. Police checkpoints have been established to enforce current movement restrictions. Travel between districts and cities nationwide will resume on Jan. 25.

Several restrictions on business operations will be eased at different points over the coming weeks. While shopping centers are currently restricted to operating via delivery services and online sales, effective at 0001 Jan. 25, such facilities - with the exception of large malls - may reopen for onsite business. Personal care businesses, such as barbershops and beauty salons, along with museums and exhibition halls, will also reopen Jan. 25. Beginning Feb. 1, public catering establishments nationwide, including restaurants, cafes, and tea houses, may begin serving patrons on-premises between the hours of 0600-2359 daily; in the meanwhile, however, they may only operate for delivery services or online sales. All businesses and facilities that reopen must comply with strict directives aimed at preventing spikes in COVID-19 activity. Such mandates may include enforcing social distancing guidelines, employing enhanced sanitization procedures, and limitations on operating capacities, among other things. Specific requirements may vary by location and type of business.

Numerous other types of establishments and activities that normally draw large numbers of people - including cinemas, theaters, religious rituals, and sports events - remain closed or prohibited, as the case may be. Additionally, general preventative and hygienic instructions are still in effect across Azerbaijan. Protective face coverings and social distancing are mandatory at all times in enclosed or crowded public spaces; public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited nationwide.

Land borders remain closed, and most passenger flights are suspended. 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.

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.