LIVE UPDATE - # 16

I will be in Moscow in a few days, as far as I have heard there has been no change in our tour itinerary. I'm on the train for the next couple of days, then am spending a couple of days in Ekaterinburg, then more time on the train. The current plan is to be in Moscow on August 16th. Lots of time for things to die down, or to buy a mask. However I got the following email ....

Subject:
Message from the Embassy of Canada in Moscow regarding Forest fires in Russia

Dear Canadians,

Due to recent high temperatures and very dry weather, forest fires have been ravaging parts of Russia. Canadians should take into account that the air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

The Government of Canada has issued an advisory against non-essential travel to Moscow, Marii-El, Mordovia, Vladimir, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod and Ryazan Oblasts due to deteriorating air quality. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has authorized the temporary withdrawal of non-essential mission employees and dependants from the Embassy of Canada in Moscow. In light of this and the hazardous levels of air pollution in the affected areas, we urge Canadians residing in or thinking of travelling to the areas to evaluate their circumstances and decide whether their continued presence is warranted. If it is not, it is advisable to consider re-locating.

Those residing in or near affected areas are strongly advised to limit their movement, minimize physical activity outdoors and keep windows and doors closed. Canadians planning to travel to affected areas should carefully reconsider their need to do so until air quality has improved. In case of forest fires, travellers should follow the advice of local emergency services personnel, stay away from affected areas, and monitor local media sources for up-to-date information. Canadians requiring assistance may contact the Embassy of Canada in Moscow.

We encourage Canadians travelling to or residing in Russia to regularly consult the Russia Travel Report for updated information, and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service at www.travel.gc.ca in order to receive the latest advice from the local Canadian Embassy. Canadian citizens in Russia requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian Embassy in Moscow at 7 (495) 925-6000, or call DFAIT's Emergency Operations Centre toll-free at 810-800-201-41012 or collect at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.

Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in Russia should contact DFAIT's Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa by calling 1 800 387-3124, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

Emergency consular services, including passports and medical assistance, will continue to be offered from the Canadian Embassy. Hours of Operations are from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 3:00pm.

Sincerely,
Embassy of Canada
Address: 23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok, Moscow, 119002, Russia
Tel.: 7 (495) 925-6000
Fax: 7 (495) 925-6004 or 7 (495) 925-6025
E-Mail: mosco@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Russia.gc.ca