Aripov, Mishustin talk over the phone as Russia temporarily bans entry of foreigners amid coronavirus outbreak

Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov discussed over the phone with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin the situation associated with the new coronavirus infection, the Cabinet of Ministers of Russia reported.

Mishustin also had a telephone conversation with other prime ministers of the CIS countries.

“During the talks, the situation related to the new coronavirus infection was discussed. Mikhail Mishustin informed the Heads of Government that in order to ensure state security, protect public health and prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, the Russian government made a decision to temporarily restrict the entry into the country of foreign citizens and stateless persons from March 18 until May 1, 2020,” the report said.

It was noted that the restriction on the entry will not apply to employees of diplomatic missions, drivers of cars of international automobile traffic, crews of air, sea and river vessels, train and locomotive brigades of international railway traffic, members of official delegations and persons having diplomatic, official, standard private visas issued in connection with the death of a close relative, persons permanently residing in the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as persons traveling in transit through air border crossing points.

During the telephone conversations, Mikhail Mishustin emphasized that the measures taken by Russia comply with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and are temporary.

The heads of government agreed to maintain contacts on issues related to the prevention of the further spread of coronavirus. The parties also discussed certain aspects of bilateral relations.