Russia: Authorities to introduce nationwide "non-working week" Nov. 1-7 to limit COVID-19 transmission /update 62

Event

Authorities in Russia have designated Nov. 1-7 as a nationwide “non-working week" in an effort to combat rapidly rising COVID-19 case numbers. As part of the measure, nonessential workers will be encouraged to remain at home. Although four of the seven days on which the measure will apply are already holidays, it is possible that some regions will introduce the non-working week before Nov. 1 and extend it beyond Nov. 7.

In addition, city authorities in Moscow plan to close nonessential businesses Oct. 28-Nov 7. Moreover, effective Oct. 25, individuals over the age of 60 or with chronic diseases will be required to remain at home except for essential activities and exercise; vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from COVID-19 are exempt from this order. Employers will also be required to ensure at least 30 percent of employees are working from home; this does not apply to vaccinated or recovered individuals. As of Oct. 21, bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues can operate provided they adhere to epidemiological guidelines. Patrons are no longer required to present proof of their COVID-19 status to access these facilities. Public events with more than 500 attendees remain prohibited. While most nonessential businesses had resumed operations, many must still close over weekends. Authorities have installed more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; passengers presenting high temperatures are denied entry.

Saint Petersburg had already planned to gradually tighten domestic restrictions. Effective Nov. 1, a QR code confirming vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 will be required for events of over 40 people. Starting Nov. 15, such codes will also be required for sports and cultural facilities; from Dec. 1, they will be required for catering establishments and nonessential retail businesses. Also, employers must return to remote working by Nov. 3. Prior to Nov. 1, gatherings of up to 75 people are permitted, and most businesses and facilities can be accessed by individuals with vaccination or recovery certificates or a negative result from a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.

Authorities in Russia have been using a largely localized approach to containing the virus, with each region responsible for its own measures; however, several COVID-19 restrictions already apply nationwide as of Oct. 21. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events and public gatherings remain suspended, though there are some local exceptions for vaccinated persons. Several regions, including Chechnya, Chuvashia, and Tatarstan, have recently tightened restrictions due to the worsening epidemiological situation; such restrictions typically involve the introduction of a requirement to present a QR code as proof of vaccination or recovery, as well as more stringent limits on public gatherings, and measures to isolate potentially vulnerable groups.

Officials strongly advise citizens over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases to avoid public places and suspend personal contact with any persons 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. Public sector offices are open.

International Entry
Entry restrictions continue to apply to all arrivals. All travelers arriving by air, including those who are vaccinated, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Russia and take a second such test within five days after entering the country. Foreign travelers must also fill out an arrival application form provided by their airline or upon arrival in Russia.

Returning Russian citizens must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours after their arrival. Citizens must self-isolate until their results are known. COVID-19 test results must be uploaded to the Public Services website within four days after arrival. Those testing positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate until a negative result is returned. Vaccinated citizens and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months are exempt from this requirement.

Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states or the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination certificates and/or test results to authorities using the "Traveling without COVID-19" mobile application. The EAEU and CIS include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

As of Oct. 21, nonessential travel is permitted for citizens and residents of 70 countries, including those of the EAEU and CIS, as well as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the U.K., and the U.S. The full list of countries is available by clicking here. However, the availability of flights is still limited due to COVID-19 restrictions in some destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled services with little warning. Entry via land borders is generally restricted to essential travel only; international rail services with most countries other than Belarus are suspended.

Some special restrictions apply to certain countries. All travelers from India must self-isolate upon arrival until they test negative for the virus, at which point they may exit quarantine. Aircrews are exempt from this restriction. Flights with Tanzania are suspended until at least Nov. 1.

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.

Resources

Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Russian)
Official Website of the Mayor of Moscow
Public Services Portal