Moscow Confronts New COVID-19 Sub-Variant

The Moscow Times reported Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin imposed a non-working period between October 28, 2021, and until November 7, 2021, to "break the SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission chain."

Russia reported on October 21, 2021, a record-high number of both new coronavirus cases and deaths. Officials reported 36,339 new coronavirus cases and 1,036 fatalities from Covid-19 over the last 24 hours.

Furthermore, a Russian scientist warned 'a new sub-variant of the Delta strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (AY.4.2) had been identified.

COVID-19 vaccinations have not become mandatory in Russia.

The announced restrictions suspend businesses, services, catering, sports, recreation, entertainment, and film screenings, except for the sale of essential goods like medicines and food.

Mass events, except those authorized by health officials, will be banned.

And theater and museum attendance will be capped at 50% with mask-wearing and digital-code rules in place.

In-person public services will be suspended, as will kindergartener and schools.

The Moscow region introduced identical restrictions shortly after Sobyanin's announcement.