EMERGENCY COMMISSION APPROVES MECHANISM FOR PANDEMIC CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The National Public Health Emergency Commission has established a mechanism for managing a pandemic crisis based on an assessment of the epidemiological situation. According to the commission's ruling adopted yesterday, "a new coronviral preparedness and response plan, based on WHO recommendations, risk assessment and risk management strategies to ensure the effectiveness and flexibility of public and social health measures, is being introduced."

The figures of transmission risk level for the SARS-CoV-2 virus will be calculated by the National Public Health Agency every 14 days. The Commission, on the basis of these data, will assign the second-tier administrative and territorial units a degree of preparedness for these risks in the territory under their control.

If an administrative-territorial unit has a "very high level of risk," this is the basis for the Commission's imposition of a state of emergency there.

The Commission authorized specialized agricultural exhibitions, festivals and fairs in accordance with the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Instructions.

It is also allowed to hold events in theatre and concert venues and houses of culture with the presence of spectators.

The number of spectators should not be more than a half of the halls’ capacity with respect to the social distance of at least 1.5 meters. Wearing masks is mandatory throughout the event, which should not exceed two hours.