Russians were on Friday January 31, advised by the country's consumer
health watchdog to refrain from greeting each other with handshakes,
kisses or hugs and to wear medical masks in crowded public places.
Though Russia has imposed border restrictions to prevent the spread
of the virus from China which is its southeastern neighbor and is also
yet to confirm any coronavirus case, Rospotrebnadzor which is also
a state watchdog, told Russian businesses that employ Chinese nationals
to extend their holidays until further notice if the employees are
already on leave in China.
Russians were further advised to tie back long hair, avoid touching
door knobs and banisters in public places and to avoid close contact
with people with flu symptoms.
Amid Russia's announcement of closing its land borders with China
to pedestrians and vehicles, the Asian country said on Friday that
the death toll from the new virus has reached 213.
LIB reported earlier that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the flu-like virus a global health emergency.