Russia: President Putin extends public holiday to April 30 /update 25

Event

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday, April 2, that the current nationwide public paid holiday will be extended until Thursday, April 30, to prevent further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Putin called for all non-essential businesses to remain closed and for workers to receive their normal salaries during the holiday period. However, the president also said that regional authorities will be allowed to determine which companies and organizations will continue to operate, depending on the situation. People are being asked to follow self-isolation rules and other restrictions.

In Saint Petersburg, individuals over 65 will be prohibited from leaving their homes and affected individuals will be provided with cash and medicine. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has also implemented movement restrictions in the capital, prohibiting individuals from leaving their homes except for essential needs and work-related reasons. Hospitals, emergency services, medical services, banks, pharmacies, and stores will remain open. All restaurants and cafes will be closed with the exception of delivery services. Individuals are also instructed to stay at least 1.5 m away from other people in the streets, shops, public transport, and other public spaces.

Russia’s land and maritime borders remain closed at all vehicle, rail, and pedestrian checkpoints as of Thursday; Russian diplomats and freight truck drivers are exempt from the measures. All flights are except for repatriation flights are suspended. Most foreign nationals are prohibited from entering the country until Friday, May 1, and all individuals arriving in Russia from abroad are subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Russian Railways and its subsidiary, Federal Passenger Company, are reducing or suspending domestic services through late May.

As of April 2, 3548 cases of COVID-19 and 30 associated fatalities have been confirmed in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.