Russia to resume flights to/from Turkey starting June 22 - Deputy PM Golikova
MOSCOW. June 18 (Interfax) - Russia is resuming air services to and from Turkey starting on June 22, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.
"Based on the opinions of our experts and following discussions and a comprehensive review of this matter by all federal executive authorities concerned at a meeting of the operative headquarters, it has been decided to restore air travel with the Republic of Turkey starting June 22 of this year," Golikova said at a press briefing on Friday.
The operative coronavirus response headquarters said, in turn, that this is a resumption of both scheduled and charter flights at the frequency agreed before the suspension of normal air travel.
A Russian inspection team comprising representatives of Russian consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian Health Ministry, and the Federal Agency for Tourism (Rosturizm) has completed a visit to Turkey to evaluate the country's readiness to receive Russian tourists.
In particular, the experts looked into the airport situation: the algorithms for identifying passengers with elevated body temperatures, the possibility of testing them in case of a suspicion of coronavirus. The auditors also checked for the availability of laboratories for PCR testing at the airport and nearby hotels.
Representatives of the Turkish healthcare system also made a presentation about the provision of medical aid to tourists, the equipment used in hospitals, the dynamics of coronavirus infections, and the utilization of hospital beds, Golikova said.
"Mandatory wearing of masks is being observed, a control process has been organized. Masks and sanitizers are available in public places and in transport vehicles. Thermovision camera control has been organized at the airport and in four and five star hotels. Ambulance teams are on watch 24/7 at the airport. Isolation zones have been organized both at the airport and in hotels," she said.