To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Moscow, the city has put the city services on alert, ordering self-isolation for those returning from all countries, mass events were banned, schools began distance learning, all people over 65 were ordered to self-isolate at home, all amusement, entertainment, sport and other non- essential services and events were banned till June, 12.
The measures to contain the new coronavirus infection and keep the situation under control are being taken on federal and city levels. On federal level the decisions on measures are being taken by the President, the Government, Minister of Health and the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Minister of Science and Higher Education, Minister of Education, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing.
On the city level the decisions are being taken by the Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin.
From March, 28th all Muscovites were asked to stay at home. System of electronic permits was introduced on April due to the increase in violations of the quarantine regime.
The residents of Moscow must carry a digital pass with them if they travel by personal or public transport. Pedestrians can walk without passes for now, but they must strictly follow the established rules and restrictions. Foreign nationals can also get a digital pass via this system. Moscow was not the first city to introduce passes. The city has automated the verification mode. Therefore, additional decisions were made that will almost completely exclude the manual control of passes, transferring these functions to automated systems.
According to the results of the first days of the action of these measures, movement around the city by transport decreased by more than half a million people. In general, the flow of passengers and cars decreased by more than 70% compared to the same period last year.
• A new type of digital passes is introduced – for the implementation of volunteer activities.
• For taxi rides, you will need to receive special alphanumeric codes – in the same procedure as receiving a digital pass.
Lifting restrictions
On May, 12 Moscow began the first stage of easing restrictions:
• Industrial and construction companies resumed operations. This gives half a million Muscovites an opportunity to fully get back to work.
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, pet shops, delivery services, telecom stores and stores that sell the basic necessities will stay open as they have before. In addition, non-permanent retail facilities in the Moscow Metro will open. It will be possible to purchase personal protective gear (gloves, masks and respirators) there.
• Only those workers return to their jobs whose presence in workshops, offices and construction sites is necessary for technological reasons.
• Muscovites over the age of 65, pregnant women and people suffering from severe chronic diseases will continue remote working. They should not come to working places.
• People will be required to wear masks, respirators or other protective gear for breathing organs, and also gloves, in shops, trading centers and in all types of public transport and in taxis. A distance of at least 1.5 meters must be observed in public spaces.
Since May, 25 multifunctional centers and car sharing under strict disinfection measures have resumed to operate.
Since June, 1 non-food stores have resumed their operation. With restrictions people are allowed to go out for walks as well as do a work out or jogging. Parks are opened to the public except for playgrounds and benches.
