Instagram users worried about decision of Chechen authorities to close borders

Because of the threat of coronavirus spread, the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has announced a ban on entry to and exit from Chechnya since April 5, 2020.

"Today (on April 1), I've decided to introduce, from April 5 on, the regime of complete isolation of the Chechen Republic from the coronavirus. Before this date, all the residents of the Chechen Republic, who are outside the republic, should return home," Ramzan Kadyrov wrote in his Instagram page.

The head of the republic has emphasized that those who planned to leave Chechnya should also leave the republic before this date. He also pointed out that on April 5 Chechnya will stop receiving flights and passenger trains; and the entrance for vehicles will be closed. "An exception is made for emergency vehicles, and foodstuff and drug delivery," Mr Kadyrov has stated.

Residents of Chechnya are worried about this leadership's decision; they indicated that not everyone could cross the border before the indicated deadline.

"We have to come from Astrakhan by train to Grozny; we have a child operated on, but they won't discharge us before April 5; thus, won't we be able to come home by train?" the user tanziiii_la wrote.

"I hope that people who are in a hospital in another region will be able to get back after the end of treatment?" the user dr.umaeva writes.

Some social network users have also noted that they work outside of Chechnya, and if the ban lasts for a long time, they will not be able to maintain their families.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 2, 2020 at 02:13 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.