Russia: Measures imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 to be eased in Moscow from Jan. 22 /update 34

Event

The mayor of Moscow has announced that measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city will be eased from Jan. 22. The mayor stated that restrictions are being eased due to the reported success of the city's ongoing vaccination campaign. Museums, galleries, libraries, and other cultural facilities will be permitted to reopen from Jan. 22, while theaters and cinemas will be permitted to operate at an increased capacity of 50 percent. However, some restrictions remain in place indefinitely. Restaurants and bars must close 2300-0600, 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. Authorities have also introduced more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; any passengers presenting a high temperature are denied entry.

In Saint Petersburg, authorities previously extended restrictions until Jan. 31. Catering establishments must close 2300-0600. Theaters, museums, and other cultural venues may not exceed 25 percent capacity. Many nonessential businesses, including leisure and entertainment venues, such as shopping malls, are closed. Indoor and outdoor events may not host more than 50 people.

Although authorities have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures, several measures continue to apply nationwide. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events, public gatherings, and exhibitions remain banned. Spectators are prohibited from attending sporting events. 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 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 regions, subject to social distancing mandates. Public transportation has also resumed in most cities, though with reduced services.

Authorities in Russia are also maintaining international travel restrictions as of Jan. 21. Authorities previously extended the existing suspension of all commercial flights with the UK until 2359 Feb. 1 in order to prevent the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 that was initially discovered primarily in the southeast of England. Most categories of travelers from the UK may not enter the country, except for diplomats and special visa holders, including Highly Qualified Specialist visas. However, persons arriving from the UK must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Russia; aircrews are exempt from this restriction.

Aside from the UK flight suspension, international flights are operating between Russia and 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. 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 departures. Foreign air passengers must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test performed no more than 72 hours prior to their departure for Russia; 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 are 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.

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.

Resources

Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Russian)

World Health Organization (WHO)