The European Commission has not included Russia in the list of countries for the lifting of prohibition of entry

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From 1 July, the EC considers it possible to start easing the ban, opening admission from countries where the incidence of COVID-19, according to EU authorities, has fallen below a critical level

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Russia was not included in the list of States, tourists of which the European Commission (EC) recommended that from 1 July allow entry into the country of the European Union (EU). Published in the June 11 document, the EC urged the authorities of member countries as well as the four Schengen States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) to maintain a valid prohibition on entry for most citizens of other countries on 30 June.

From 1 July, the EC considers it possible to start easing the ban, opening admission from countries where the incidence of COVID-19, according to EU authorities, has fallen below a critical level.

“Given the fact that in many countries the situation in the health sector remain critical, the Commission is not proposing at this stage the total lifting of travel restrictions . Restrictions must remain in effect for countries where the situation is worse than in the EU”, – stated in the EC recommendations.

In the first phase, the EC proposes to include in the white list are five countries where the situation with COVID-19 is better or worse than in the EU: Montenegro – may 24, the authorities announced the recovery of the last infected COVID-19, was identified 324 cases of infection, nine people died; Albania – the last day in the country identified 44 new cases of infection COVID-19, the total number of infected – 1385, 35 died;
Bosnia and Herzegovina – for the last days revealed 57 new cases COVID-19, total 2832 161 people died; Northern Macedonia in recent days identified 175 new cases COVID-19, the total number of infections 3538, 169 people died; Serbia – for the last days identified 71 new cases of infection COVID-19, the total number of infections 12 102, 252 people died.

The same list is proposed to include Kosovo, which Russian authorities do not recognize independent state, RBC reports.

The list of countries whose citizens can make the “optional trip” in the EU, it is proposed to review regularly in line with the epidemiological data.

The EC also proposes to expand the list of grounds under which the EU can move people from countries not yet included in the white list. In accordance with the recommendations of the Commission the right to enter may be granted to students of European universities and other foreigners entering Europe to study, as well as highly skilled workers who are unable to perform their duties remotely.

Finland leaves the border with Russia closed

The Finnish government also announced Thursday that the restrictions on border crossings with Russia will continue at least until July 14 due to the coronavirus.

“Limitation of movement at the external borders, that is, on the Finnish-Russian border and in respect to those arriving from other third countries persons act until July 14. At the external borders of the allowed return to Finland, transit at Helsinki airport, Vantaa, and other required movement. The entry of family members of citizens of Finland are permitted for citizens of all countries”, – stated in the press release of the Cabinet.

From 14 June, the government cancels quarantine for visitors from Norway, Iceland and the Baltic States. Restrictive measures on the border with Sweden remain in force, reports “Interfax”. Enter Finland from this country is allowed only in some cases, for example, for family reasons.

The government will also be allowed from July to conduct events for up to 500 people outdoors, but subject to sozialnogo distancing.

In Finland 7064 confirmed cases of infection with coronavirus, in the last days their number has increased by 24, died, 325 ill.