MOSCOW, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian health authorities on Thursday ordered the country's regions to ensure a 14-day isolation period for everyone arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Individuals can be isolated at home or put under observation in specialized clinics, said a decree signed by Anna Popova, head of Russia's Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare.
All arrivals are required to report when they returned to the country, as well as the place and duration of their stay abroad via local hotlines.
The watchdog instructed regional governors to introduce a high alert regime in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Russia has banned practically all foreigners from entry, closed borders with neighboring states, and suspended most flights and rail links.
Earlier on Thursday, Russia reported the first coronavirus-related death. So far, 147 cases of COVID-19 have been registered in the country.
