Moscow implementing restrictions amid soaring infections, deaths

Moscow officials said on Thursday that Russia’s capital will start implementing COVID-19 restrictions to combat a surge of coronavirus infections and deaths that have rocked the country, The Associated Press reported.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that between Oct. 28 and Nov. 7, places including entertainment spots, gyms, restaurants and nongrocery stores would be closed to the general public for that period in addition to kindergartens and schools. 

Only those who have a COVID-19 digital pass, which indicates proof of vaccination or previous COVID-19 encounters, will be allowed to frequent certain entertainment venues like theaters and museums, according to the news outlet. That requirement is expected to remain after the 11-day timeline.

Sobyanin also said that, with the exception of certain businesses, workers will also be required to stop their work during that period between Oct. 28 and Nov. 7.

Other COVID-19 restrictions in Moscow are expected to be introduced in the coming weeks. 

Coronavirus infections and deaths reached a new record high in Russia on Thursday as the country saw 1,036 COVID-19 deaths and 36,339 infections, the AP reported. The dizzying surge of cases and deaths has put pressure on the country’s health system. Last week, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that retired medical practitioners could work again in an attempt to ease the stress facing many health care workers.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin mandated that workers stay home starting on Oct. 30 for one week. The move by the Russian government, which has ruled out imposing a lockdown similar to the one experienced early on in the pandemic, underscores the severity of the matter given that regions have largely been left to their own devices on how to tackle restrictions.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, roughly one-third of Russia’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“I can’t understand what’s going on,” Putin said, according to the AP. “We have a reliable and efficient vaccine. The vaccine really reduces the risks of illness, grave complications and death.”