Russia at worst of pandemic despite Sputnik V 0:57
Moscow (CNN) -
New and strict covid-19 restrictions came into effect in Moscow this Thursday, with the entry into force in the Russian capital of an 11-day paid vacation that authorities hope will help curb the increase of coronavirus cases and deaths across the country.
The rest of the country will join Moscow on so-called "non-working days" from this Saturday to November 7.
The restrictions came into effect as Russia reported 40,096 cases and 1,159 deaths on Thursday, the highest daily figures to date.
Moscow's restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues, clothing stores, gyms, libraries and many other establishments closed their doors on Thursday.
Cafeterias and restaurants will only be available for take-out and delivery, with the exception of hotel dining rooms, where only guests and employees will be able to dine.
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Government entities and state services will also enter a "long paid leave" for the duration of non-working days, although they will continue to provide services online.
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Medical assistance in Moscow will be provided as usual, but with a number of restrictions.
In particular, dentists will only be able to provide urgent and emergency care.
Schools and kindergartens will also go on vacation, while universities will have to operate remotely.
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Mass cultural, entertainment and sporting events will not be held unless an exception is granted by city authorities.
However, Muscovites can access food and essential goods stores, pharmacies, parks, and theaters and museums, as long as they can prove they have been vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19.
Despite the restrictions, the streets of the capital seemed as lively as usual this Thursday.
Transport in Moscow will continue to operate normally.
Russia is going through its worst moment in the pandemic: record deaths, strict confinements and overflowing hospitals.
How did they get here?
An ineffective vaccination plan against covid-19
On October 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a proposal to declare non-working days from October 30 to November 7 across the country and strongly encouraged each region to introduce the measures earlier if necessary.
On Tuesday, Moscow Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova urged citizens to take advantage of non-working days to get vaccinated.
Russia's efforts to reduce transmission have been severely hampered by an ineffective vaccination program.
Only 30% of the population is fully vaccinated, in a country where there are four national vaccines.
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"We urge Muscovites to make the most of this time: to spend the days with their families, to go to the countryside or to get vaccinated in one of the city centers. Vaccination and rapid testing centers for covid-19 they will continue to work in Moscow. You can vaccinate without an appointment in popular public places or by appointment at the clinic, "Rakova said.
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Since Monday, other restrictions are in effect in Moscow.
All residents over the age of 60 who have not been vaccinated and have not been ill in the past six months, as well as people with certain chronic illnesses, have been ordered to stay home until the end of February.
Employers in the capital have also been ordered to direct at least 30% of their employees to work from home starting Monday.
Covid-19 Russia