Media Learned about Plans of Authorities to Close Russian Borders because of Coronavirus

According to Kommersant sources, a new measure can be announced on March 18. The Russian authorities plan to close the country’s borders amid the epidemic of a new coronavirus, Kommersant reports citing several sources in government agencies. According to their information, they can announce this in two days, on March 18. However, the interlocutors of the publication did not specify when the decision will come into force. According to one of them, the ban on entry will not affect Russians and those who have a residence permit in the country. Also, according to the publication, the ban will not affect freight traffic and visits of official delegations. Another source noted that the draft also provides for a possible restriction on the departure of Russians abroad. Russia will continue to evacuate its citizens from countries that have not yet banned exit from its territory, the source added. The total number of coronavirus infected in Russia has grown by 30 people over the past 24 hours, now 93 cases of infection are known in the country, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said. According to her, 86 of them are imported, and seven people became infected in Russia after contact with infected people. In a sign of the epidemic, the authorities of Moscow and the Moscow Region temporarily banned all public events. In addition, due to the threat of coronavirus spreading, the indoor meetings of more than 50 people will not be possible. As part of the fight against the spread of a new coronavirus infection, the government prepared a draft providing for a temporary ban on foreigners entering Russia, and it was adopted in the evening of March 16. The restriction, which also affects stateless persons, will last from March 18 to May 1, the press service of the government said.