Russia: Moscow authorities to further ease COVID-19 restrictions June 1 /update 38

Event

Moscow's Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced on Wednesday, May 27, that restrictions in place aiming to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be further eased as of June 1. This includes the reopening of many retail and service industry businesses and allowing residents to walk in parks, albeit with restrictions. Residents will be allowed to walk three times a week - twice during the working week, and once at the weekend. Walks will only be permitted between 09:00 and 21:00 (local time) and residents will have to abide by a timetable specific to each residential area within individual areas of the city. The Mayor has urged residents to limit their walk radius to no more than 2 km (1.24 mi) from their homes. Digital passes will not be required for walks and outdoor activities.

However, as of May 27, travel via private or public transport in Moscow will only be possible via a digital pass. New passes may be obtained from the Moscow mayor's website. Workers who currently hold digital travel permits will have their permits automatically extended to Sunday, May 31.

Self-isolation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the capital Moscow are in place until at least Sunday, June 14. Residents are required to wear gloves and masks on public transportation, as well as in stores, shopping malls, and when taking taxis. Restaurants, theaters, sports facilities, and nonessential businesses will remain closed.

A ban on the entry of foreign nationals has been extended indefinitely. Exceptions will be made for foreign national specialists in critical industries. Russia's land and maritime borders remain closed to all vehicle, rail, and pedestrian traffic; Russian diplomats and freight truck drivers are exempt from these measures. Except for repatriation flights, all flights are suspended, 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, have reduced or suspended domestic services until late May.

To date, health authorities have confirmed 370,680 COVID-19 cases and 3,968 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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.