THE GOVERNMENT OF RUSSIA INTRODUCES A LAW ON EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

On March 26, a new draft law, regarding the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations, was introduced in the State Duma. The initiator of introduction of this draft law was the Government of the Russian Federation, and the coronavirus pandemic was the reason of the legislative initiative.

The document proposes the introduction of measures, aimed at more effective coordination of state structures in case of emergencies.

In particular, the bill introduces a number of certain powers for the Government of the Russian Federation:

• introduction of high alert and emergency situations;
• coordination of state structures in case of emergency;
• restriction of circulation of certain medicines in accordance with the approved list in case of emergencies;
• introduction of a moratorium on the bankruptcy in case of having grounds for it.

In addition, it is proposed to implement measures to protect the traveling citizens by legislatively establishing a moratorium on the sale of organized tours to the countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation. For those, who have already paid for tours, the law provides the possibility of a full refund.

For the purposes of protecting tour operators, it will be possible to postpone the payments to the personal liability funds and to use the accumulations of such funds in case of emergencies as well.