Russia shutting borders with Poland and Norway over coronavirus

The border between Poland and Russia will be closed | Janek Skarzynski/AFP via Getty Images

‘We ask everyone to keep calm, since these are preventive measures,’ says prime minister.

By Rym Momtaz

3/14/20, 6:27 PM CET

Russia will shut its land borders with Poland and Norway as of midnight on Saturday, in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus.
An exception is being made for citizens from neighboring Belarus, official delegations and holders of Russian residence permits, according to a statement from the Russian government.

"We ask Russians to minimise travel. Limiting foreign business trips and mass events in all regions, including entertainment, sports and business events is recommended. We ask everyone to keep calm, since these are preventive measures," said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Authorities said there were 14 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infected people to 59, according to Russian media.
Russia had already taken measures to limit flights to and from the EU, Switzerland and Norway, starting Monday.

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