High alert mode in Moscow – what does it mean for you?

Questions & Answers

Measurements of Russian Government regarding health crisis

Status 12.03.2020

1. Does the new Decree apply only to Moscow or to other cities as well? Which citizens are affected?

• The Decree applies to Moscow.
• Similar measures have been implemented in other regions already, but in “softer forms” or as recommendations.
• It is applicable to all persons returning from the countries with registered cases of infection and from those which have the unfavorable epidemic situation (regardless of their citizenship).

2. Do the rules apply if arriving to Moscow through the ‘unfavorable countries’ by way of transit? For example, arriving to Moscow from Austria with transit in Germany?

• Yes, they are applicable.

3. I intend to travel to Moscow  for 2-3 days. Will I still be self-isolated for 14 days?

• No, the self-isolation would be applicable for the actual term of stay in Russia.

4. What does self-isolation mean? Is the hotel room is an appropriate place for this?

• Staying at home within the prescribed term without visiting any public places (even supermarkets and/or pharmacy shops), including medical institutions. For now, staying in a hotel room is considered sufficient

5. Does this new rule apply retroactively? Do all employees have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days even though they have arrived BEFORE the new rules were implemented (March 5, 2020)?

• There is NO prescription on a retroactive effect in the Decree and other regulations. However, in practice the state authorities take into account all visits of persons to the ‘unfavorable countries’ within the last 14 days (even before March 5, 2020).

6. Who must be hospitalized along with the affected person?

• Other persons contacted with this one – under the decision of the medical staff checking the infected person (depending on the continuity and closeness of contacts with the infected person (on case-by-case basis)).

7. How is the time in self-isolation compensated?

• By state allowance under the medical certificate, without obligation to pay out up to the actual salary. However, the time should be paid out up to the actual salary if the employer arranged remote work during self-isolation and employees are fully engaged at work.

8. If the employee has a high temperature without confirmation of being infected, should we suspend him/her from work? Should we pay fully in case of a suspension?

• Suspension from work with such a symptom is a must under the Decree. Salary is not payable – only state allowance if the official medical certificate is received.

9. Does an employer have the right to ban any visits of its employees to the ‘unfavorable countries’ for personal reasons?

• No. It is not allowed by law. However, scheduling, rearrangement, and/or full ban of business trips is permitted in this case.

10. Is the Decree applicable for employees registered in Moscow Region, but employed at a Moscow company?

• Yes, under the current practice.