“In order to prevent the import and the spread of the new coronavirus infection the task force has decided to extend the suspension of flights with the UK," the statement said, according to TASS. “To ensure the protection of public health, the restrictions have been extended until 23:59 on January 12, 2021.”
Some background: Since the UK imposed a lockdown on Saturday, over 40 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East have restricted travel from the UK and in some cases, also travel from other countries that have documented cases with the variant.
Experts say the new variants can spread faster than others.