Moscow launches fresh restrictions as Covid-19 deaths hit record high in Russia

Mass cultural, entertainment and sports activities occasions won't be held until an exception is granted by metropolis authorities.

Muscovites can nonetheless nonetheless entry retailers promoting meals and important items, pharmacies, parks, and theaters and museums with proof of vaccination or current restoration from Covid-19.

Despite the restrictions, the streets of the capital appeared as energetic as standard on Thursday. Transport in Moscow will proceed to function as regular.

On October 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a proposal to declare non-working days from October 30 to November 7 throughout the entire nation and strongly inspired every area to introduce the measures earlier if needed.

On Tuesday, Moscow's deputy mayor Anastasia Rakova urged folks to make use of the non-working days to get vaccinated. Russia's efforts to cut back transmission have been significantly hampered by a lackluster vaccination program. Just round 30% of the inhabitants is absolutely vaccinated, in a rustic the place 4 home vaccines can be found.

"We urge Muscovites to make the most of this time -- to spend their days with their families, go to the country house or get vaccinated at one of the city centers. Vaccination and rapid testing centers for Covid-19 will continue to operate in Moscow. You can get vaccinated without an appointment in popular public places or by appointment at the clinic," mentioned Rakova.

Other restrictions have been in impact in Moscow since Monday. All residents over 60 who haven't been vaccinated and haven't been ailing throughout the final six months, as nicely as folks with sure continual illnesses, have been ordered to remain dwelling till late February. Employers in the capital have been additionally ordered to inform no less than 30% of their workers to work at home from Monday.