Moscow extends quarantine restrictions until May 31

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced that quarantine restrictions in place in the capital would be extended until May 31, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to local media.

As such, the self-isolation regime will remain in effect for all residents, along with restrictions on businesses and services, as well as on cultural, educational and sporting activities, and “all other non-essential sectors,” the Mayor’s website says.

According to Sobyanin, “it’s still too early” to reopen restaurants, theaters, and sports facilities.

Earlier, the Moscow Mayor announced that beginning on May 12, masks, respirators, and gloves would become mandatory for anyone using public transport. These will also need to be worn in stores, shopping malls, and when taking taxis.

So far, Russia has confirmed 177,160 cases. Nearly half of newly confirmed cases are reportedly asymptomatic, and Moscow’s share of new cases has risen to 59 percent as of May 6. The country’s death toll stands at 1,625.