A state of emergency was declared in the Transnistrian region in connection with the WHO’s decision to declare the novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. A decree to this effect was signed by the Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky, who said that the state of emergency will last from March 17 until April 5, IPN reports.

The decree envisions measures to consolidate public safety and bans the entrance of “foreigners”, except for those who have the residence in the Transnistrian region, who have the status of diplomat and those who transports food products and other essentials. The people from the Transnistrian region will be able to cross the so-called border after filling out a mandatory form. Those who return to the region are obliged to stay in home quarantine for 14 days.

The Transnistrian authorities banned any type of activity that involve many people and ordered to close the shopping centers, theaters, cinemas, salons, restaurants, etc.

Contacted by IPN, the press service of the Reintegration Office said the institution will provide a comment later.