Russia extends entry ban for foreigners amid COVID-19 outbreak

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday said he had signed a government order to continue to extend restrictions on foreigners entering Russia until the situation of COVID-19 outbreak improves and the country wins the fight against the disease.

The extension does not apply to specific foreign professionals, mainly those who debug and maintain imported equipment. Their work will help to reduce the impact of restrictive measures on the production activities of Russian industrial enterprises, especially those that produce anti-epidemic medical equipment.

On March 16, the government announced a temporary ban on foreigners entering Russia, starting on March 18 and ending on May 1.

A total of 99,399 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the country as of 10:45 am local time on Wednesday, according to official data.