Russia: Authorities declare May 4-7 a non-work period to prevent potential spike in COVID-19 activity /update 41

Event

Russian authorities have declared the period of May 4-7 to be non-work days as part of an effort to prevent a surge in COVID-19 infections. The designated time frame is preceded by the May Day holiday and followed by the Victory Day holiday periods, effectively making May 1-10 non-business days. The presidential decree implementing the measure also instructs public sector institutions, as well as other agencies and organizations, to determine the number of employees they require to maintain essential operations. It remains unclear as to what effect the decree may have on private companies.

Although authorities have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures, several COVID-19 restrictions continue to apply nationwide. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events and public gatherings remain suspended. 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.

Residents are encouraged 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 regions, subject to social distancing mandates. Public transportation is also operating in most cities, though with reduced services.

Authorities in Moscow have installed more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; passengers presenting high temperatures are denied entry.

International Entry Restrictions
International flights are operating between Russia and more than 20 countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UAE. However, 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 other scheduled services. Foreign air passengers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure for Russia; Russian citizens must produce a negative COVID-19 test result within three days upon arrival or self-isolate for 14 days. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes

Authorities have extended a suspension of all commercial flights with the UK until June 1 in order to prevent the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 originating in that country. Most categories of travelers from the UK may not enter Russia except for diplomats and persons holding special visas, such as those denoting a Highly Qualified Specialist. Qualifying travelers from the UK must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Russia; aircrews are exempt from this restriction.

The Russian government has also limited flights with Turkey and suspended flights with Tanzania through June 1 due to the high incidence rate of COVID-19 in those countries. Authorities permit two commercial flights per week between Moscow and Istanbul, repatriation flights, charter flights, and flights carrying workers for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project in Turkey's Mersin Province. Only repatriation flights are permitted with Tanzania.

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