According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s web pade, in July the city authorities plan to reopen theaters and cinemas. This is part of a further stage of lifting the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. All in all, it will take about a couple of months for everything to return back to normal. As of 16 June, it is business as usual for dental clinics, real estate firms, rental services, legal advice, accounting, management consultancy, advertising and market research companies. Summer cafes at permanent catering facilities also reopened. Visits to exhibitions and museums using e-tickets are be permitted, as well as visits to libraries by appointment.
Health and fitness clubs, swimming pools, spa facilities, solariums, and saunas are expected to start opening on 23 June. Restaurants, cafes, snack and other bars will start functioning too. From this date no appointments will be required for visits to libraries.
“All subsequent decisions will depend on how the situation stands. If it deteriorates we will then have to postpone certain stages, but if things remain stable, bit by bit we will permit more and more places to return back to normal,” Sobyanin said.
Moscow has been gradually lifting the restrictions. Industrial and building companies as well as government services centers resumed operations on 12 May. Non-food shops, dry-cleaners, shoe repairs and many other consumer services reopened just a little later. As of 9 June digital passes were no longer required and outdoor walks and sports were permitted. Barbers, beauty salons, veterinary clinics and job centers got down to business again.
It is still absolutely mandatory to wear masks or respirators in public areas. Doctors are also advising people to wear gloves when visiting shops and shopping malls as well as in public transport and taxis. Social distancing should be observed at all times.