Coronavirus: Moscow imposes mandatory lockdown after Russian capital records more than 1,000 infections
Moscow authorities have ordered a citywide lockdown, restricting the normal business of most of the 12.5 million residents of Russia's capital. The move is the most comprehensive attempt to date by authorities to stem the proliferation of the coronavirus across the city.
As of Monday, 30 March, Muscovites will largely be forbidden from leaving their homes. Exceptions are being made for key workers; medical emergencies; buying groceries and medicine; walking pets within 100m of home; and disposing of rubbish. All other business will require special permits.
A statement published on the mayor's personal website said the measures came in response to a "negative turn of events" in Europe and the United States. There was promise of a "smart system of control," understood to mean tracking by mobile phone and Moscow's new, face-recognition enhanced CCTV systems.
The Mayor's Office did not say for how long the new regulations would apply.
The news came on the same day that Moscow recorded its 1000 official case, with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suggesting the city was moving into a "new phase" in its fight against the virus.
