Moscow extends November holidays to reduce the growth of COVID-19 infections

Due to the increase in the coronavirus infection incidence in Moscow, additional measures have been taken to combat the pandemic. From 28 October to 7 November, 2021, non-working days will be set in the city. Sergei Sobyanin commented on this in his blog.

“The situation in Moscow also keeps developing according to the worst-case scenario. In the coming days, we will reach historical peaks in the incidence of covid, ” Sergei Sobyanin emphasized. “Experience shows that non-working days are the most effective way to reduce morbidity and mortality from covid, as they enable to break as many chains of disease spread in a short time as possible.”

During this period, the operation of all enterprises and organizations on the territory of Moscow should be suspended, except for the organizations that ensure functioning of the city infrastructure, enterprises of a continuous cycle and some others, the activities of which cannot be terminated in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

From 28 October the activities of enterprises and organizations in the field of trade, services, public catering, sports, culture, recreation and entertainment, film screenings etc. shall be suspended, except for the sale of medicines, food and essential goods.

“Restaurants and cafes can operate takeaway and can deliver ready-made meals. Operation of corporate catering establishments and restaurants in hotels is not limited, provided that there is no access to unauthorized persons,” the Moscow Mayor said.

Provision of public services in the My Documents centers and the premises of the Moscow authorities is suspended, except for urgent services for registration of acts of civil status. Medical organizations will continue to provide elective medical care.

Provision of public services in electronic form is preserved in full.

Holidays are announced in kindergartens and schools from 28 October to 7 November. The work of additional education institutions, sports schools, children's afterschool programs and sections is suspended. For preschoolers who have no one to leave at home, the work of duty groups will be arranged in city kindergartens. Higher and secondary vocational educational institutions may conduct classes only remotely.

Medical organizations will continue to provide elective medical care. Emergency medical care will be maintained in full.

Theaters and museums will also be able to keep operating. However, they may be visited only if the occupancy of the premises is no more than 50 percent, with the use of QR codes and protective masks. It is recommended that similar decisions be made by the federal authorities in relation to the cultural organizations subordinate to them.

Holding mass cultural, entertainment, sports, advertising, entertainment and other events will be prohibited in the city, except for those approved by the state authorities or the capital Office of the Russian Federal Consumer Rights Protection and Human Health Control Service (Rospotrebnadzor).

From 8 November Moscow will commence returning to its usual life, but with a number of restrictions.

Due to introduction of a home regime for elderly Moscow residents over 60 and those with chronic diseases, privileged and free fares on public transport will be suspended.

“Blocking of transport cards will not affect the citizens who have had COVID-19 over the past six months, or who have been vaccinated,” the Moscow Mayor said.

Social cards will be unblocked immediately after vaccination with the first component.

Theaters and museums will keep operation with the mandatory use of QR codes, protective masks and a maximum 70 percent occupancy of the premises.

From 8 November, the mandatory use of QR codes and protective masks shall be introduced when holding concerts, entertainment, cultural, entertainment, sports and other events with the simultaneous presence of more than 500 people. Event planners with fewer than 500 participants shall be also encouraged to make similar decisions.

“Let's take a little rest and help to preserve the lives and health of many people. And then the city can return to normal life. Consider how to spend an unplanned vacation for yourself and your family. Being outdoors more often in the park next to your house or living in the country are good ideas,” Sergei Sobyanin concluded.