Russia approves list of 23 essential goods allowed for sale during Covid-19 quarantine

Illustration photo: TASS

The Russian government has just approved a list of 23 essential non-food goods, according to which business of these items will continue during the coronavirus epidemic in Russia, regardless of how the epidemic situation develops.

The decree, signed by the Russian government on March 28, said that commercial organizations that sell at least one of these groups of goods will be allowed to continue operating during the quarantine period. They will also be allowed to sell non-essential goods, if they are sold together with essential goods.

The list includes children's goods (including baby products), soaps and various detergents, hygiene products, personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants, pet products (including feed and veterinary medicines), petrol, diesel, gas, auto parts (including lubricants and tires), electrical equipment, cables, household appliances, computers and hard drives, optical equipment.

Other items included in this list are garden tools, construction goods and tools, sanitary equipment, fire-fighting equipment, printed mass media publications, candles and matches, glass (including accessories) and contact lenses, tobacco products and marketing goods (such as packaging, labels, price tags, etc.).

Authorities in each region have the right to add other categories of goods to the list, depending on the epidemic situation in their locality.

The Russian government decree also says that cafes and restaurants across the country are only allowed to provide takeaway or delivery services.

Russia has recorded 1,264 positive cases of Covid-19, 49 of which have recovered, and at least four have died.