Social Distancing and Self Isolation in Crimea

Social distancing and self isolation rules in Crimea are the same as in the USA. People are required to stay 2 meters from everyone else, which is about 6 imperial feet. The national and regional governments are coordinating efforts and requirements. They determine what the rules are, and what the fines are. Fines and administrative actions back the rules put in place by the government.

Self Isolation in Crimea

Self isolation was put in place in Crimea in late March. It ended on May 21 in Crimea for most people. The heads of each region set the begin and end dates, but they are all within a few weeks of each other. Only a few businesses were open until 1 June, but things are opening up now.

All people were required to self isolate until two weeks ago. It started with those 65 and over and those with health conditions. The elderly are still required to stay home until 15 June. However, people do not really follow this rule at this point. Many never followed it.

I personally did not self isolate too much. We still met with our realtor, and our contractor. We looked at some houses. But we did limit our contact with others considerably, and stayed home much more than normal.

The social distancing rules were fairly strict in Crimea. People had to stay home, except to walk the dog (up to 100 meters), take the trash out, or to go to the grocery, doctor (but only if you had coronavirus symptoms), or the pharmacy. We own a dog, so he was popular with our neighbors. I debated charging 50 rubles per walk for his time.

Most businesses, other than hotels, spas, and restaurants are open now. But even the restaurants are opening outdoor seating. Social distancing is still required at businesses, though.

Social Distancing in Crimea

In the early days of COVID-19, Moscow required social distancing. All regions now require people to stay about 2 meters (6 feet) apart from each other. It has been this way for about 2 months.

I have seen videos and pictures from some other regions and the rules seem to be working in larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. There is varying success in other regions though. It seems that the smaller the city, or the further from a big city one is, the less likely someone is to actually social distance.

Other regions of Russia did not start practicing social distance as early as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. It took about 2 weeks in Crimea. Since people were not paying much attention to the order to stay apart, the regional governments put fines in place.

Fines for Not Following the Rules

The fine is 4000 rubles (about $58 USD). The fine may not seem like much to an American, but it is almost the entire monthly pension for an elderly person getting the minimum benefit in Russia.

I have not seen many fines given out for social distancing, other than in grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical clinics. These 3 businesses were the critical infrastructure that was allowed to work during the “emergency situation.” Few fines were given out for social distancing, and have been for not self isolating. The police stop elderly when they see them out though.

Social distancing has been working well in Crimea until recently. The problem spots are still in stores, but many people wait outside small shops while someone else finishes their shopping. Big supermarkets do have specific times for the elderly and “at risk” individuals. People are buying more than they did before, limiting the number of times they go to the store.

As Things Open Up

People are growing tired of the whole pandemic thing, however. People are beginning to close the gap a bit, as well as not wearing masks as much. You will find that elderly women tend to wear masks, as well as us darn foreigners. But we now see many elderly out and about. The police used to chase them home, but no longer. Traffic has grown a lot, and people from Ukraine and other regions of Russia are now coming into the area for the summer season.

Borders will officially open with Ukraine later this month, and hopefully with other countries soon. We will see.

See some of my other articles on Covid-19 in Crimea, here: Republic of Crimea – My renewed Writings, Early Attitudes Towards Coronavirus in Crimeans

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