ZCZC
BFF-27
HEALTH-VIRUS-RUSSIA-ITALY
First coronavirus case confirmed in Moscow
MOSCOW, March 2, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Russian authorities on Monday confirmed
the first case of coronavirus in Moscow, saying the patient had recently
returned from Italy.
The anti-coronavirus task force said in a statement quoted by Russian news
agencies that the “young man” had fallen ill on February 21 while on vacation
to Italy.
The man, who resides outside Moscow, returned to Russia on February 23, and
started showing signs of a respiratory viral infection, it said.
He sought medical help and was hospitalised on February 27. Testing
confirmed the infection on Monday and his symptoms were not severe, the
statement said.
Nearly 90,000 people have been infected in over 60 countries and more than
3,000 people have been killed by COVID-19.
Russia has so far managed to avoid a large number of infections and
introduced a range of travel and visa restrictions.
Russia repatriated and quarantined a number of passengers from the Diamond
Princess cruise ship in Japan, three of whom tested positive for the virus.
Two Chinese citizens in Russia were also infected and treated in Siberia.
Moscow has imposed a near blanket ban on Chinese visitors over coronavirus
fears and has closed rail links with China and halted most flights.
Authorities have also announced restrictions on travel to Russia from Iran
and South Korea, two countries hit by the outbreak, and most recently advised
against all non-essential foreign travel.
BSS/AFP/SSS/2006 hrs