MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th March, 2020) Russia is set to temporarily restrict flights to European Union member states, Switzerland and Norway from Monday on, the coronavirus response center said on Friday.
"In order to ensure state security, protect public health and prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection in Russia, the operational headquarters decided to temporarily limit commercial air travel from 00:00 a.m. on March 16, 2020 Moscow time [21:00 GMT March 15]: from the Russian territory to and from the territory of the European Union member states," the center said.
Nonetheless, Russia will maintain air travel to the capitals of the EU member states and charter flights intended for bringing Russian citizens or foreigners home.
Similar measures would be introduced in regard to flights to Switzerland and Norway � only flights to and from Geneva and Oslo would be maintained, as well as charter flights.
The center added that flight restrictions would not be imposed on the United Kingdom, where 798 people have tested positive for COVID-19 as of 09:00 GMT on Friday.
"The restrictions do not apply to the UK," the center stated.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 28,297 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the EU, UK and countries of the European Economic Area as of 07:00 GMT on Friday.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on passenger air travel from the Schengen Area to the United States.
