Azerbaijan: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide from Dec. 14 /update 25

Azerbaijan to tighten COVID-19 quarantine regime in major cities from Dec. 14; significant business and movement disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities plan to tighten restrictions on movement and business activity in all major cities Dec. 14-Jan. 18 to combat increasing cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All nonessential shops will close during the period; grocery stores and pharmacists will remain open. Intercity travel will be prohibited and people will reportedly only be permitted to leave their accommodation if in possession of a special permit.

Azerbaijan has also extended the nationwide special quarantine regime until at least Jan. 31. Public transport services are suspended at weekends; the Baku Metro remains completely suspended until 0600 Jan. 31. All nonessential business and activities will be suspended on weekends; some nonessential businesses, including cinemas and gyms, will also remain closed on weekdays. 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.

Strict quarantine regime measures are already in operation in two cities and eight districts due to increased COVID-19 activity in those areas. The affected locations are Lankaran and Sheki, 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.

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.