On 29 March, the government of Russia’s North Caucasus Republic of Chechnya ordered the closure of the region’s administrative borders due to an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, reported Vestnikkavkaza.  

“No one will be allowed in and out, except for medical workers and food industry employees. Transit cars travelling via the republic should choose alternative routes,” said Adam Delimkhanov, a member of the region’s crisis management office. He called upon Chechen residents outside the region to stay in self-isolation. 

Meanwhile, Chechen parliament speaker and head of the crisis management office, Magomed Daudov, announced tough quarantine measures for the entire republic. “For the safety of our population, tough quarantine is imposed in our region. Starting from tomorrow, residents of the Chechen Republic are prohibited from leaving their homes for reasons other than going to a pharmacy or a grocery shop, or if they don’t have an urgent medical necessity,” he said. “Up until now, patrol cars were merely driving along and calling citizens to remain in self-isolation. Starting from tomorrow, people will be taken back home and fined according to the law,” he added. He also announced that passengers without face masks and medical gloves will not be allowed to use public transport and licensed taxis.

The first coronavirus infection in Chechnya was confirmed on 24 March. So far, only 12 people tested positive for novel coronavirus in Chechnya. Some 820 people are under medical supervision. There have been 2,337 reported cases of coronavirus infections in all of Russia and 17 deaths so far.