Moscow Re-Introduces Restrictions as Virus Surges
As Moscow grapples with a new spike in Covid-19 cases amid stubbornly low vaccination rates, the city signed has ordered new restrictions and declared a “non-working week” from June 14-20.
The latest restrictions mainly apply to recreation and leisure, from eating at the mall’s food court to visiting the Moscow Zoo.
Here’s a closer look at the Russian capital’s latest measures to slow the spread of the virus:
The latest restrictions mainly apply to recreation and leisure, from eating at the mall’s food court to visiting the Moscow Zoo.
Here’s a closer look at the Russian capital’s latest measures to slow the spread of the virus:
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/92/31C7720F-4739-4F4A-AD8A-E18AA0BC55F8.jpeg)
As Moscow authorities crack down on mask-wearing, demand for medical masks in Moscow has risen 50% compared to early May numbers, according to a study by Wildberries. Demand for sanitizing products is also up by 34%.
Vladimir Gerdo / TASS
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Local restaurants are now required to limit the number of guests they seat to ensure social distancing indoors.
Moskva News Agency
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A McDonald’s location in Moscow has already been charged with breaking the new rules and now faces 1 million rubles ($13,000) in fines. The authorities can also close the restaurant for a 90-day period.
Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/fe/456BE177-5C48-4C82-AF7E-A6E470CD673E.jpeg)
Food courts in Moscow’s shopping malls have been ordered to temporarily close. Takeout and delivery services are still allowed.
Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/49/FEB5F6CF-60A9-421E-9E94-6D97EE980C7F.jpeg)
From June 13-20 Moscow residents are not allowed to use park infrastructure, with simply sitting on a park bench punishable by a $55 fine. Since walking in the park is still allowed, some residents choose to sit on the grass instead.
Valery Sharifulin / TASS
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/65/396C0931-29BD-4F3D-A59C-FF31A6575951.jpeg)
Most of the park infrastructure has been shut down. Bike-rental and similar services have been prohibited in order to limit physical interactions between people in the parks.
Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/a6/69262480-B64B-46E7-A90A-FAFEC7CACE8E.jpeg)
Moscow authorities have also closed the city’s zoo, amusement parks and other recreational spaces. Nightclubs, bars, karaoke clubs and discos have been ordered to close between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/f7/23E60C00-5A46-40F6-AB2E-B67D920D4F41.jpeg)
Similar to the first days of Moscow’s Covid quarantine in 2020, the city’s playground swings and slides are now covered in protective tape or plastic.
Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/14/AFC35791-D629-49B4-A36B-62FDBD1FCE2E.jpeg)
Moscow transport authorities say they plan to enforce mask-wearing and social distancing on public transit more strictly. All public transport employees will be given protective gear, while vehicles will be disinfected daily, authorities added.
Artyom Geodakyan / TASS