On July 1, Rospotrebnadzor announced its decision to abandon a number of covid restrictions in connection with the improvement of the epidemiological situation in Russia. In the evening, the official decision of the chief sanitary doctor was also published: it adjusted the rules for tourists upon their return from abroad.

On the afternoon of July 1, a message was published on the official website of Rospotrebnadzor about the lifting of covid restrictions due to the improvement of the epidemiological situation in Russia.

However, there was no clear wording in the posted information regarding PCR testing for unvaccinated Russians returning from abroad.

RULES FOR RETURNING FROM ABROAD ADJUSTED FROM JULY 1

On the evening of July 1 published the decision of the chief sanitary doctor. According to the Rospotrebnadzor document, changes are still being made to the rules for those returning from abroad: the conditions are becoming easier, but the requirement to take a PCR test upon returning from abroad remains.

The relief is that unvaccinated Russians who return from trips abroad will no longer need to before receiving the results of a laboratory test for COVID-19 using the PCR method, to observe the isolation regime at the place of residence (stay).

No other changes have been made to the rules for returning Russians from abroad. Considering that a rare Russian has observed “isolation”, we can say that essentially nothing changes for anyone.

PCR testing requirement for those returning to Russia from abroad unvaccinated tourists (including for all children from 0 to 18 years old) continues to apply. Tests are also needed for all foreigners entering the country.

Thus, the media headlines that appeared on July 1 that “Rospotrebnadzor lifted all covid restrictions” are incorrect. The lifting of “all” covid restrictions is out of the question.

Alexandra Polyanskaya