UPDATE: Russia ceases air travel with S Korea, except Aeroflot from Sun

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MOSCOW, Feb 26 (PRIME) -- Russia will suspend air travel to and from South Korea due to a coronavirus threat from Sunday, except for flight performed by national flagship carrier Aeroflot and its subsidiary Aurora, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday.

“As to additional measures, considering the information that we have and receive about the state of things in South Korea, Iran and Italy, we… have decided to stop air connection with South Korea, performed by all companies excluding Aeroflot and Aurora, from 12:00 a.m. on March 1,” she said.

Aurora will make charter flights until all Russian citizens are evacuated from South Korea, she added. Aeroflot will leave only flights to and from Moscow.

Golikova also said that from Friday Russia will restrict visa issuance for entrance from Iran, excluding business and humanitarian trips, but will retain aviation connection with the state.

All the restrictions, imposed earlier by Russia to prevent the spread of coronavirus, will be prolonged until April 1, Golikova added.

Delaying St. Petersburg International Economic Forum from June 3–6 has not been discussed yet, as well as the new dates of the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi, which was put off from February 12–14 in light of the outbreak, she also said.

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