The city authorities of Moscow threatened that prison terms up to five years can be given to people who fail to self-isolate in their homes for two after visiting countries which have been hit by Coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak.
The city government had announced a "high alert regime" and imposed extra measures on Thursday to prevent a spread of the illness in the Russian capital. Those who return from China, South Korea, Iran, France, Germany, Italy and Spain and other states showing possible "unfavourable" signs of coronavirus should self-isolate themselves at home for 14 days, Moscow city hall has said.
Moscow announces jail term for people failing self-isolation
The Moscow healthcare department said on Sunday that those disregarding the regulation risked severe punishment including imprisonment of up to five years. It said authorities would be checking self-isolation through use of closed-circuit TV cameras.
In an information sheet, the department said it was OK for residents in self-isolation to walk their dog, but at a time when there are fewest people in the streets, and wearing a face mask. There have been 15 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far.
The coronavirus outbreak has claimed the lives of more than 3,500 people worldwide and infected over 100,000 people in more than 90 countries causing a major stir around the world.
(With agency inputs)
