Press Release, 14.04.2020

Boris Vishnevsky, head of the Yabloko faction in the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, asked St.Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov to give a clear definition of the term “self-isolation” in order to end the arbitrariness of law enforcement. The term is mentioned in the decree of the Government of St. Petersburg “On measures to counteract the spread of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in St. Petersburg”.

“The term “self-isolation” is not legally defined by any act of law – neither at the federal nor at the city level. But in case of violation of this regime, citizens can be held administratively liable in accordance with both federal and city laws. I am certain that in such a situation there emerges a significant chance for arbitrariness of law enforcement and administrative bodies (that draw up protocols on the corresponding administrative offenses) against citizens,” the appeal runs.

“Does “self-isolation” mean that citizens are threatened with an administrative penalty – a significant fine – have no right under any circumstances to leave the premises in which they live? Do not have the right to leave the entrance hall of their house? Take out the waste? Visit a store or pharmacy? Or a particular police officer or official will decide whether or not this can be done within the framework of his own ideas? In this case, there is a clear corruption component,” Vishnevsky writes.

The head of the Yabloko faction also emphasises that he  realises the seriousness of the situation in the city and the danger of the further spread of the coronavirus infection. But the interpretation of “self-isolation” as an absolute prohibition seems to him excessive and leading to many negative consequences.

“It is important not to go into extremes here. And with regard to the elderly and the restrictions on their movement, it is necessary, in my opinion, to strive to persuade people [not to go out], rather than just prohibit and punish. It is not necessary to think that older people are all enemies of their own health or the health of their loved ones, they do not understand the danger, and only decisions of the Government can make them aware of this danger,” Boris Vishnevsky notes.

Vishnevsky also suggested concretising the term “self-isolations” as follows: ““Self-isolation” means voluntary (as it is “self-isolation” rather than “isolation”) stay of citizens at the place of actual residence (or stay), with the exception of the periods they need to walk around their house, take out household waste, walking dogs, visiting the nearest shops and pharmacies and assisting relatives with safety precautions against coronavirus infection and a social distance of 1.5 meters from other citizens.” “Violation of the self-isolation regime means citizens’ being outside their actual residence (stay), not related to walking around their house, walking dogs, taking out household waste, visiting medical institutions, pharmacies, shops and helping relatives.”

It should be noted that the decision of the St. Petersburg government forbids residents of St.Petersburg over 65 from leaving home and obliges them to strictly observe the self-isolation regime until April 30.

Earlier, Boris Vishnevsky called on the St.Petersburg government to provide financial assistance and other assistance to St. Petersburg residents affected by the quarantine; the deputy also sent a number of concrete proposals to the Governor that would make life easier for St.Petersburg residents during the quarantine caused by COVID-19. In addition, the head of the Yabloko faction requested information from the city officials about the situation with personal protection equipment in the city, and also proposed to grant a rent waiver to entrepreneurs and NGOs renting premises from St. Petersburg until the end of the quarantine period.