Emergency - what is it?

In Moscow and other cities, in fact, a state of emergency is already in effect, but the president does not sign a decree on a state of emergency. Why?

On the morning of Friday, March 27, as usual, I went for a walk with the dog, but Charlie and I did not get to Sokolniki Park. The entrance was not only welded, but also reinforced with a reinforced concrete slab. The administration of the park complied ahead of schedule with the order of the mayor of Moscow, according to which access to a number of Moscow parks was to be closed only on Saturday.

The closure of Moscow parks “for visiting citizens” is one of the signs of the introduction of the regime provided for by the federal constitutional law “On the State of Emergency”, but not the only one.

Article 11 of the Law "On State of Emergency" provides:

• establishment of restrictions on freedom of movement in the territory where a state of emergency has been introduced, as well as the introduction of a special regime for entry into and exit from the said territory, including the establishment of restrictions on the entry into and stay in the said territory of foreign citizens and stateless persons.

This paragraph has already begun to operate de facto. This is evidenced not only by the ban on visiting parks, but also, for example, the cancellation of regular and charter flights with other countries (with the exception of flights that evacuate Russians stuck far from their homeland).

• strengthening the protection of public order, objects subject to state protection, and objects that ensure the vital activity of the population and the functioning of transport.

The clause has also de facto already begun to operate. There, even the National Guard was sent to the streets of Moscow to recommend that they met people over 65 years old to stay at home. The presence of personnel in Moscow in the Russian Guard was explained by “planned deployment”.

• establishment of restrictions on the implementation of certain types of financial and economic activities, including the movement of goods, services and financial resources.

There is also. Cafes, restaurants, cinemas, hairdressers, shopping centers are closed.

• prohibition or restriction of meetings, rallies and demonstrations, processions and picketing, as well as other public events

This point of the state of emergency began to operate first - even before the first coronavirus cases were detected in Moscow.

What has not yet been introduced in Moscow from the law on state of emergency?

• There was no curfew. But it is not provided by law for epidemics. According to the law on state of emergency, a curfew, along with the suspension of the activities of parties and the closure of the media, can be introduced in cases of an attempted coup d'état, military rebellion or riots. In the case of epidemics, only the introduction of quarantine is possible. And around the clock.

• They did not establish a special procedure for the sale and distribution of "food and essentials."

• Do not evacuate material and cultural values. But this is not necessary. Paintings of the Tretyakov Gallery coronavirus is not dangerous.

• They did not suspend the powers of executive authorities. But the federal government doesn't need it. Then you will have to take full responsibility for a possible negative scenario for the development of the situation with the spread of coronavirus.

I think that is why the president does not sign a decree on a state of emergency, although all the signs of a state of emergency are already there.

It is equally important that the state of emergency law provides for the introduction of a state of emergency in certain cities and regions of Russia for a period of not more than 60 days. And throughout the country - and even less, only 30 days.

And no one seems to know how long the fight against coronavirus and its consequences will last. Maybe the state of emergency will have to be extended and extended. The law allows it.

Well, perhaps the most important thing. The third paragraph of the law on state of emergency establishes that the basis for the introduction of the state of emergency may be an epidemic that can lead to loss of life and damage to human health. We still, apparently, cannot recognize the epidemic. But we are already building a special hospital for those infected.