MOSCOW. April 7 (Interfax) - The Russian contingent in Syria has stepped up sanitary measures amid the coronavirus pandemic, contingent commander Col. Gen. Yevgeny Ustinov said.
"Restrictive measures have been taken, contacts with the local population have been minimized, the arrival and departure of vehicles has been limited, and all events involving contingent personnel have been cancelled," Ustinov said at a conference chaired by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday.
"Test kits are being used to diagnose coronavirus cases in the contingent. As many as 990 test kits are available. Servicemen have been provided with personal protective equipment and thermometers," he said.
Four medical teams are working to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in the contingent; up to 300 hospital beds could be deployed, and 15 medical teams could be formed, Ustinov said.
"Radiation, chemical, and biological protection forces have provided a combined disinfection team and a diagnostics laboratory," he said.
"Enhanced medical control has been established at all facilities of the contingent, there are medical checks, and the temperatures of servicemen are measured at least four times a day by means of contactless infrared thermometers. The daily disinfection of facilities accommodating servicemen and all public areas is also carried out. Control over personal hygiene has been intensified," Ustinov said.