Russia to temporarily ban entry of Chinese nationals over coronaviurs outbreak

Russian authorities have said that they will temporarily ban Chinese nationals from entering Russia due to the COVID-2019 outbreak centred in China. According to a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the entry ban goes into effect tomorrow at midnight Moscow time (2100 GMT) for an indefinite period.

The Russian government yesterday said that it took the move due to the worsening epidemiological situation in China. Russia had already cut off most Chinese visitors by closing the long land border with China and Mongolia and imposing other travel restrictions. However, the authorities clarified that the new entry ban won't affect travellers who need to transfer flights at the Russian



airports.

So far, Russia has had only three confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease caused by the virus - two Chinese citizens who were treated and released and a Russian national infected on the Diamond Princess cruise ship now quarantined in Japan.

Meanwhile, Germany is sending a second shipment of medical aid supplies to China to help the country fight the Corona virus epidemic. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, the government would send 8.7 tonnes of aid supplies worth 1,50,000 euros , including protection gear and disinfectants. He added that Germany stands firmly on the side of China in the battle against Corona virus and works closely and trustfully with the Chinese officials.