Sergei Sobyanin explained reasons for introducing non-working days

COVID-19 incidence rates in Moscow will reach record highs by the end of the week. Sergei Sobyanin said about this in his interview with Russia-1 TV channel.

The increase in number of diseases is due to the autumn wave of acute respiratory viral infections, as well as the spread of the more aggressive delta strain in Moscow.

“Based on such dynamics, we see that as soon as the end of this week – early next week we will reach the peak values of the disease – the record highs in the entire history of the pandemic. And this requires taking measures to protect health and lives of people,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

Non-working days must break the maximum number of chains of the disease and stabilize the spreading of coronavirus. They were announced in Moscow from October 28 to November 7.

“These are urgent measures to be taken, when the pandemic has already reached its peak, it is necessary to take measures now and today in order to smooth out the peaks of the disease and reduce the incidence rate. I am sure that no QR codes will give such an effect”, – Sergei Sobyanin emphasized.

Speaking about using QR codes in the city, Moscow Mayor noted that the decision to introduce them should be a greatly thought-out decision.

“It is always required to introduce them for a long period. At least for six months. And not in any particular industry, say in public catering, but in all branches of services. The impact is on millions of people and tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses. We saw in Moscow this summer when QR codes were introduced: the amount of businesses income dropped by 20 - 80 percent, on average 36 percent, taking into account the work of summer verandas. But in the long term, these are losses and a huge blow on the economy, therefore such measures should be introduced gradually and in combination with powerful economic support for these sectors of the economy,” Sergei Sobyanin said.

From October 28 to November 7, the work of all enterprises and organizations should be suspended in Moscow. An exception will be made for organizations that ensure operation of urban utilities, continuous-cycle enterprises and some others, which activities cannot be terminated in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

From October 28, restaurants, cafes, canteens, buffets, bars, eateries and other catering establishments will operate in takeaway or deliver modes. Pharmacies, grocery stores and essential commodity stores will work as usual. Besides, retail stores that operate remotely, will keep working.

From October 28 to November 7, centers of public services "My Documents" will render services only for registration of divorce, if its date is set for the period from October 28 to November 7. Birth of a child will be registered in medical organizations. The rest of the services, where their provision is possible electronically, can be obtained online. If the date of receipt or signing of documents falls on the restrictions period, the term for the service provision will be extended by nine calendar days.

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 with no one to take care of them 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 provided in full.

Theaters and museums will keep operating. However, they may be visited only if filled under 50 percent and provided that QR codes and protective masks are used. It is recommended that similar decisions be made by the federal authorities in relation of cultural institutions 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 Moscow Office of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor).

From November 8 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.

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 of filling up.

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, where over 500 people are present simultaneously. Event planners with fewer than 500 participants shall be also encouraged to make similar decisions.