QR codes and SMS passes: how violators of mandatory self-isolation will be tracked

What happened?

To contain the spread of the coronavirus, two-thirds of Russian regions have introduced a mandatory self-isolation regime. Moscow became the pioneer. First, the capital adopted this measure for citizens over 65, and then extended it to everyone. Then Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin instructed the regions to introduce similar measures at home.

The compulsory self-isolation regime implies that citizens can leave their homes only if necessary. For example, to go to the nearest store, pharmacy, seek emergency medical help, take out the trash. You can walk the dog, but near the house. Those who have to work not remotely are allowed to go to the place of work. At the same time, outside the house, it is necessary to maintain a distance between people of at least 1.5 meters. An exception is made for taxis. By the way, the use of transport was not limited.

Is the mandatory self-isolation regime a quarantine?

Mandatory self-isolation is not quarantine. The latter applies only to certain categories of citizens. These are people who flew from abroad, came into contact with sick people or those who have been diagnosed with coronavirus.

The legal status of mandatory self-isolation was not clear for a long time and caused a lot of questions from lawyers. According to the Constitution, it is possible to prohibit citizens from moving freely only in a state of emergency. It has not yet been introduced in any region. Although in several cities emergency situations have been declared. Accordingly, there were also questions about the legality of punishment for violating mandatory self-isolation.

But things are changing rapidly. On March 31, the State Duma adopted amendments to the Administrative Code and the Criminal Code, as well as to some other laws. On the same day, they were approved by the Federation Council. Already on April 1, the amendments were signed by the President and posted on the official portal. They come into force from the date of publication. Here's what's new:

Regional authorities can now establish rules of conduct for citizens during an emergency or high alert mode. The same one that now operates in all constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Article 20.6 was added to the Administrative Code. It also provides for responsibility for non-observance of the rules of conduct in an emergency or the threat of its occurrence.
Regional authorities will be able to decide for themselves which executive bodies' employees are entitled to draw up protocols under Article 20.6. This measure will be in effect until the end of the year.
Article 6.3 of the Administrative Code "Violation of legislation in the field of ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population" was expanded. A stricter punishment is introduced for violation of sanitary rules and anti-epidemic measures in an emergency, quarantine or the threat of the spread of a disease that is dangerous to others. Coronavirus infection is on the official list of such diseases.

How will you be punished for violating mandatory self-isolation?

For non-observance of the rules of conduct in an emergency or the threat of its occurrence, fines are imposed - this is just a new article 20.6 of the Administrative Code. Citizens can take 1-30 thousand rubles. Officials and entrepreneurs will have to pay 10-50 thousand, legal entities - 100-300 thousand.

For violation of sanitary rules and anti-epidemic measures in an emergency, quarantine or the threat of the spread of a disease dangerous to others, fines for citizens will be 15-40 thousand.

Penalties for violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules within the framework of the Criminal Code are being tightened. If it led to mass diseases or created such a threat, a fine of 500-700 thousand rubles is imposed, or deprivation of the right to hold certain positions, or restriction of freedom for up to two years, or forced labor, or imprisonment for up to two years. If one person dies, for the offender it will end with a fine of up to 2 million rubles or imprisonment up to five years. For the death of two or more persons, imprisonment for 5-7 years is imposed.

On the same day, April 1, the Moscow City Duma deputies introduced local fines for violating the self-isolation regime. This is 4 thousand rubles for the first violation and 5 thousand - for the second one. It is possible that the regions will follow this example in the near future.

Well, how will the violators be tracked, because there are so many people?

Each region offers its own measures depending on the equipment and capabilities. For example, in Moscow they are planning a multi-pass. To go to the store or take a walk with the dog, you will need to submit an application on the mayor's website. The application will be reviewed and given a QR code. It will need to be saved on the phone or printed out for presentation to the inspectors. While these are police officers and national guards. Thanks to amendments to the Administrative Code, the circle of inspectors can expand.

It is not only the patrols of authorized employees that will identify violators. It is also offered:

use video surveillance systems, and fines can be assigned automatically, through automatic face recognition;
check transactions - whether a person has paid in another area;
track Wi-Fi connections in the metro.

In Tatarstan, you need to get permission to leave the house by SMS. But you can use this right no more than twice a day.

For those who leave home for work, various types of passes or certificates are provided. For example, in Saratov, employers must certify with the administration of the city, districts or relevant ministries the passes for all employees. Moreover, during a personal visit, which, of course, immediately led to queues at these institutions.

And in the end, what?

Judging by how quickly laws are passed, self-isolation is a long time. To what extent - so far hardly anyone can say. The head of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, has already asked to extend the so-called non-working week. Here's what to prepare for:

If you have to move around town for work, you will have special paper.
To leave the house to go to the store, pharmacy or go for a walk with the dog, you will have to get a pass.
They will be fined for violations. For this, they even urgently created a legislative base. Most likely, at first, the punishments will be indicative and therefore public and harsh, so that others will be discouraged.
Now is the case when instructions must be followed not out of fear of responsibility. When you stay at home, you may not be saving lives. But, at least, do not prevent others from doing it.