Azerbaijanis Must Text ID Number, Reason For Trip Before Going Out

BAKU – Azerbaijanis will be able to venture into the streets only after sending a text message with their identification number and the reason for their trip under additional requirements announced April 2 to help control the spread of the coronavirus.

Beginning April 5 Azerbaijanis will have to text their ID number along with a number corresponding to the reason for their trip to 8103, officials said. The text message is free of charge.

The number 1 is for medical services, 2 is for food, pharmacy, bank and postal services, and 3 is for trips to attend the funeral of a close relative.

Azerbaijan last week tightened its quarantine rules to slow the spread of coronavirus, barring the movement of vehicles between regions and cities across the country, with some exceptions, including ambulances, social services, and agricultural vehicles.

Baku’s metro system is operating only five hours a day, and, as in much of the world, restaurants, cafes, tea houses, and shops — except supermarkets, grocery stores, and pharmacies – are closed.

The South Caucasus country last week reported 165 coronavirus cases, with three deaths. At the time more than 3,000 people were in quarantine.